Syrian rebel fighters have reportedly set fire to the gravesite of Hafez al-Assad, the father of former President Bashar al-Assad, in the family’s hometown of Qardaha, located in Latakia province. The incident comes as the Assad regime collapses, marking a significant turning point in the Syrian conflict.
In Damascus, reports say day-to-day life is gradually resuming, with shops reopening and workers expressing cautious hope for the future.
Rebel forces, including the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have also taken control of the oil-rich city of Deir al-Zour, previously held by Kurdish forces, as they move to secure strategic resources. Meanwhile, Israel has confirmed conducting 350 airstrikes on Syrian military assets, which accounts indicate had weakened the Assad regime’s military infrastructure.
Internationally, Russia reportedly rejected Bashar al-Assad’s request to establish a coastal statelet, while Iran has blamed the regime’s fall on interference by the United States and Israel. Iran remains committed to supporting Assad’s fallen government.
With these changes, some Syrian refugees in Turkey and Lebanon have begun returning to their homeland. However, concerns remain regarding potential restrictions on personal freedoms and the nature of Syria’s emerging governance structure.
Philips Babatunde