All articles tagged with #bashar al assad
A U.S. envoy said Israel did not warn the United States before a Syria-based airstrike, as reports surfaced of Turkish delegation visits to the base and mounting regional tensions involving Israel, the U.S., Turkey, and Syria.
A Damascus court sentenced former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes during the civil war, along with seven other former security officials including his brother Maher al-Assad and cousin Atef Najib; Assad has been living in exile in Russia since the regime fell in 2024, and Syria’s new leadership has sought his extradition, though Moscow has not signaled whether it will comply.
A Damascus court convicted and sentenced Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Syria’s civil war, marking the first verdict against him while he remains in Moscow after fleeing in 2024. His cousin Atef Najib and several other former officials were also handed death sentences in absentia; extradition from Russia remains uncertain.
Syria and Russia reached an agreement to end Moscow's military use of two strategic Mediterranean bases, with Damascus taking control of the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus port’s commercial berth. The remaining facilities will be converted into joint training centers, signaling a reorganization of Russia's presence on Syria's coast and a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations.
Syria’s newly elected People’s Assembly held its first session since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, electing Abdul Hamid al-Awak as speaker and setting a 30‑month term as it begins drafting new laws; two-thirds of members were elected by electoral colleges and one‑third appointed by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, signaling a fresh stage after decades of autocratic rule and civil war.
A Syrian court held the first hearing in a transitional-justice process targeting ousted President Bashar al-Assad and senior regime officials; Assad and his brother Maher are to be tried in absentia, while ex-security chief Atif Najib appeared in court, with further hearings planned as authorities pursue accountability for repression during the war.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Moscow for the first time since Bashar al-Assad's fall, signaling Russia's continued influence and strategic interests in Syria, including military bases and diplomatic relations, despite recent upheavals and Assad's exile.
The US has acknowledged direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that recently led an offensive to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite HTS being designated a terrorist organization. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US and its allies have agreed on principles for a Syrian-led political transition. The fall of Assad, who fled to Russia, has created both jubilation and uncertainty in Syria. The US, which has troops in Syria, is focusing on immediate humanitarian needs amid the country's economic collapse and diverse sectarian landscape.
Bashar al-Assad fled Syria for Moscow as his regime collapsed, deceiving aides and officials about his plans. Despite assurances of Russian military support, Assad secretly left Damascus, leaving his supporters to face the advancing rebels alone. His departure marked the end of his 24-year rule and the Assad family's half-century grip on power, as the 13-year civil war abruptly concluded. Russia and Iran declined military intervention, and Assad's attempts to seek refuge in the UAE were rebuffed, leading to a coordinated effort by Russia, Turkey, and Qatar to ensure his safe exit.
Human remains have been uncovered in the Tadamon district of Damascus, Syria, revealing evidence of mass killings under the rule of Bashar al-Assad. The area became notorious after a 2022 video showed military personnel executing blindfolded men. Residents and rights groups describe years of atrocities, with bones found scattered across the district. Following Assad's ouster, there are calls for the site to be secured and investigated to hold those responsible accountable. The mass grave's potential tampering by Assad's forces raises concerns about preserving evidence.
Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has collapsed after a significant rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured key cities, including Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, leading to the fall of Damascus. Assad fled the country, leaving the army leaderless and prompting mass defections. The victory marks the end of a 13-year conflict that claimed at least 350,000 lives. As Syrians celebrate newfound freedom, they face the challenge of addressing Assad's brutal legacy, including the fate of thousands of missing detainees.
Russia is reportedly dismantling military equipment at its Hmeimim airfield in Syria and loading it onto cargo planes, following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Satellite images captured by Maxar show two An-124 cargo planes being loaded with equipment, raising questions about the future of Russian military bases in Syria.
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, the former president and his family have sought asylum in Russia, a long-time ally. With the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir-al Sham forming a transitional government, Assad's future remains uncertain amid calls for accountability for alleged war crimes. Assad's wife, Asma, holds a British passport but remains in Russia, where the family has significant financial ties. International efforts may seek to prosecute Assad for human rights violations, though Russia's stance on extradition complicates potential legal actions.
Syrians gathered joyfully for Friday prayers at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus for the first time since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The event marked a significant moment of celebration and hope for the future, as people filled the streets and mosques, expressing their happiness and taking selfies with the new Syrian flag. The prayers included calls for divine justice against Assad and his regime, reflecting a sense of liberation and national pride among the citizens.
Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a key rebel group in Syria, has appointed Mohammad al Bashir as interim prime minister following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. This development presents a complex challenge for the international community, as HTS is designated a terrorist organization by many countries, complicating diplomatic and financial engagements. The situation is further complicated by Syria's dire humanitarian and economic crises, and the presence of various armed factions. The international community faces a dilemma in balancing engagement with HTS while ensuring a transition that respects human rights and minority protections. Regional powers like Turkey and Russia also have vested interests, adding to the complexity of Syria's path forward.