Syrians explore empty presidential palaces and attack the Iranian Embassy after Assad is removed from power
On Sunday, groups of Syrians walked through the luxurious palaces of President Bashar al-Assad after rebels took control of Damascus, marking the end of his family’s decades of rule.
Exploring Palaces
Video clips shared by Reuters show crowds wandering through the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace. The grand rooms and fancy furniture became a setting for photos. Children ran through the luxurious halls, while adults took items like furniture and decorations from the palace.
In one video, men were seen dragging a big trunk across the floor. Others carried decorative chairs on their shoulders, and a storage room looked like it had been looted, with open cupboards and items scattered everywhere.
Another clip from the Muhajreen Palace showed people walking on shiny white marble floors and passing through large wooden doors. Some took vases and looked through empty cabinets with doors left open.
Attack on Iranian Embassy
On Sunday, Iran’s embassy in Damascus was attacked, as reported by Iranian state media. The attack happened after rebel groups claimed victory over Assad, who is a close ally of Iran.
According to the Tehran Times, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, said that all Iranian diplomats and staff had left the embassy before the attack, and they were safe.
Assad’s Fall
On Sunday, Syrian rebels announced on state TV that they had overthrown President Bashar al-Assad in a swift operation, ending more than 50 years of Assad family rule. This sparked uncertainty across the Middle East, already struggling with ongoing conflicts.
International media showed large celebrations in central Damascus, with people waving flags and chanting for “freedom.” Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections, suggesting a possible transition period.
Syrian state media confirmed the fall of Assad’s government, but the military said fighting was still ongoing in key areas like Hama, Homs, and parts of Deraa.
Two senior military officials told Reuters that Assad left Damascus earlier that day, but his current location is unknown.
Rebel forces, led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recently captured important western regions, including the strategic city of Homs. Thousands of people celebrated there, tearing down Assad’s portraits and chanting against his regime. Losing Homs has cut Damascus off from the Alawite coastal areas, which are home to key Russian military bases.
HTS, a group that was once connected to al Qaeda, has become a leading force in the rebel coalition.
What’s Next?
The Syrian opposition coalition said on Sunday that they are working to create a transitional government with full executive powers.
Published: 9th December 2024
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