Syrian Rebels Destroy Hafez al-Assad’s Tomb in Qardaha.

Copyright Hussein Malla/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved.

In a significant development marking the collapse of the Assad regime, Syrian rebel fighters have destroyed the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the late president and father of former president Bashar al-Assad.

The mausoleum, located in Qardaha, the Assad family’s hometown in the north-western Latakia region, was set ablaze as armed men chanted in celebration. Verified videos circulating online captured the moment the rebels roamed the burning structure, symbolizing the end of the Assad dynasty’s 54-year rule.

The offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group, which swept across Syria in a rapid and decisive campaign that toppled the Assad regime. Reports indicate that Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia, where he and his family have been granted asylum.

Iran and Israel’s Role in the Aftermath

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the fall of the Assad regime on external forces, particularly the United States and Israel, as well as an unnamed neighboring country. Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its military actions in Syria, with the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reporting over 350 airstrikes since Sunday. These attacks have targeted the remnants of the Syrian military’s arsenal, with Israeli officials emphasizing the need to prevent groups in control of Syria from posing a threat to their security.

Rebels Seize Oil-Rich Deir al-Zour

In another critical development, Syrian rebel forces have taken control of the strategically important, oil-rich eastern city of Deir al-Zour from Kurdish forces. This marks a major shift in the region’s power dynamics, as control of such resources could bolster the rebels’ position in the ongoing conflict.

Regional Reactions

The situation has drawn mixed reactions from neighboring Arab states. While some have criticized the Israeli airstrikes, others remain cautious in addressing the rapidly changing landscape in Syria. With the Assad regime dismantled, the country’s future remains uncertain as various factions vie for control over its territories and resources.

This series of events underscores the end of an era in Syria while introducing new complexities to the nation’s prolonged and devastating conflict.

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