Author: Anadolu Agency

NATO’s secretary general on Monday hailed what he called a “moment of joy” in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, voicing hope for a peaceful transition. Writing on X, “Good to speak with (Turkish President Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan about Syria,” Mark Rutte added: “This is a moment of joy but also uncertainty for millions. We hope for a peaceful transition, respect for the rule of law & protection of minorities.” Rutte also said that Russia and Iran were “complicit in the crimes of Assad.” Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups…

Armed groups opposed to Bashar al-Assad’s regime began entering Damascus’ southern suburbs on Saturday. The armed groups advanced toward central Damascus after capturing the provincial center of Quneitra in the country’s southwest, local sources said. Fighting regime forces, the groups entered the Darayya suburb south of the capital. A video purportedly taken in downtown Damascus shows Assad regime forces changing out of their military uniforms and into civilian clothes. The footage also reveals that some regime army units stationed in central Damascus dispersed due to a breakdown in the command chain. Regime forces were reported to have been driven out…

An Israeli supporter brandished a gun Saturday and threatened protesters at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Paris. Protesters had gathered to demand an end to Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip, which have continued for more than one year. Far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party lawmaker Claire Lejeune, who attended the demonstration, addressed the incident on X. “A man pulled out a gun to threaten those rallying for peace in Palestine,” said Lejeune as she thanked security forces for their swift intervention to stop the suspect. “The violence against activists and citizens who stand up against the genocide is getting worse…

The EU said Saturday it is closely watching developments in Syria amid reports that anti-regime groups are closing in on the national capital of Damascus. “The European Union is closely monitoring the fast-moving and volatile situation in Syria. With fighting between armed groups escalating throughout the country, we urge all parties to protect civilians and ensure the safety of humanitarian aid workers,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Anouar El Anoun said in a statement. “We reiterate our call for a political solution consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254,” it added, concerning a roadmap for a cease-fire and political transition in Syria.…

Armed groups opposed to Bashar al-Assad’s regime began entering Damascus’ southern suburbs on Saturday. The armed groups advanced toward central Damascus after capturing the provincial center of Quneitra in the country’s southwest, local sources said. Fighting regime forces, the groups entered the Darayya suburb south of the capital. A video purportedly taken in downtown Damascus shows Assad regime forces changing out of their military uniforms and into civilian clothes. The footage also reveals that some regime army units stationed in central Damascus dispersed due to a breakdown in the command chain. Regime forces were reported to have been driven out…

US President Joe Biden is “closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria,” the White House said late Saturday as anti-regime forces entered the national capital of Damascus. Biden and his senior officials are “staying in constant touch with regional partners,” National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said on X. It came after anti-regime forces began to enter Damascus early Sunday after it had been lost by the Assad regime. Protesters rose against the regime late Saturday in neighborhoods, while regime forces pulled out from critical sites such as the Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry and the international airport. With the entry…

Sixty-one years of Baath Party rule in Syria collapsed on Sunday when the capital Damascus fell out of the hands of regime control. The Arab Socialist Baath Party had come to power in Syria in 1963, in a coup. In 1970, Hafez al-Assad-the father of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s newly deposed ruler-seized power in an internal party coup and became president in 1971. After the death of his father in 2000, Bashar al-Assad took over the Baath regime. The rule of Assad and the Baath regime ended when anti-regime groups entered the capital Damascus, capping off a series of rapid and…

South Korea’s former defense minister was taken into custody early Sunday for his role in last week’s martial law declaration, which plunged the country into a deepening political crisis. Kim Yong-hyun had already resigned after the short-lived martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk-yeol, which was lifted within hours after parliament voted it down, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported. Kim had already faced a travel ban. A police investigation has already been launched into Yoon and others for alleged insurrection. The latest move came a day after Yoon survived an impeachment motion in parliament. Six opposition parties submitted the motion, which…

Syrian state television on Sunday aired a video statement by a group of men announcing the ouster of longtime President Bashar al-Assad and the release of all prisoners from jail. The video came after anti-regime armed groups early Sunday took control of the capital Damascus, bringing the Assad regime to a dramatic end. The person who read out the statement called on all opposition members and citizens to protect the institutions of “the free Syrian state.” – Road to Assad regime collapse Clashes broke out between Assad regime forces and anti-regime armed groups on Nov. 27 in rural areas west…

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called Sunday for the creation of a regional coalition to deal with regional instability following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. Assad fled Syria to an unknown location after anti-regime groups took control of the capital Damascus early Sunday, marking the collapse of the Baath Party regime, which had been in power in Syria since 1963. It came almost a week after anti-regime groups seized control of Aleppo, a major city in northern Syria. “In the face of events in Syria, it is more important than ever to create a strong regional…