Syria’s army command on Sunday informed its officers that President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule has come to an end, according to a Syrian officer who was informed of the move speaking to Reuters.
The announcement followed an unexpected and rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise.
Assad, who had consistently suppressed dissent, departed from Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.
“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison,” the rebels said, referring to a large jail on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.
After Assad’s ouster, reactions poured in from all over the world.
US President-elect Donald Trump
“Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success,” he added.
US President Joe Biden
A statement from the White House, currently housing President Joe Biden said: “President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners”.
US Pentagon
Meanwhile, US Pentagon official Daniel Shapiro, who was attending the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain, said: “The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State.”
He also called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and respect international norms.
Russian Foreign Ministry
Moreover, the Russian Foreign ministry said in a statement, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left office and departed the country after giving orders there be a peaceful handover of power.
The ministry did not say where Assad was now and said Russia has not taken part in the talks around his departure.
It said Russia’s military bases in Syria had been put on a state of high alert, but that there was no serious threat to them at the current time. Moscow is in touch with all Syrian opposition groups and urges all sides to refrain from violence.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has been communicating with all regional actors on Syria and is determined to do what is possible to avoid a chaotic outcome for the country, a Saudi official told Reuters on Sunday.
“We have been in contact with all actors in the region. We are in constant communication with Turkey and every stakeholder involved,” the official said, adding that the kingdom was not aware of Bashar al-Assad’s whereabouts.
United Kingdom’s Deputy PM Angela Rayner
Furthermore, the United Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner welcomed the ouster of the Syrian president, saying: “Dictatorship and terrorism creates problems for the people of Syria who have faced so much already and also destabilises the region.
“That’s why we have to have a political solution where the government is acting in the interests of the Syrian people. That’s what we want to see. That’s the type of democracy that we say is right for the world, and that, hopefully, is what the Syrian people will get,” she said.
“If Assad has gone, that’s a welcome change, but what comes next has to be a political solution, and they have to be working in the interests of the Syrian people.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Addressing a press conference in Doha, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape the future of their own country, today there is hope.
“The Syrian people cannot do this alone. Turkey attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity. A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively, there should be no desire for revenge. Turkey calls on all actors to act with prudence and to be watchful. Terrorist organisations must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation. Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and safety in Syria,” he said.
“The new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbours, it should eliminate threats. Any extension of the outlawed PKK militia cannot be considered a legitimate counterpart in Syria,” the foreign minister added.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock terms end of Assad’s regime a “sigh of relief” for millions of Syrians.
“It is impossible to say exactly what is happening in Syria now. But one thing is clear: for millions of people in Syria, the end of Assad means the first big sigh of relief after an eternity of atrocities committed by the Assad regime,” she said.
“Assad has murdered, tortured and used poison gas against his own people. He must finally be held accountable for this,” the German FM remarked.
“The country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals — regardless of the guise. We therefore call on the parties to the conflict to live up to their responsibility for all Syrians. This includes the comprehensive protection of ethnic and religious minorities such as Kurds, Alawites or Christians and an inclusive political process that creates a balance between the groups,” she concluded.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also took to his X account to remark on Assad’s ouster saying that he was following the situation with “concerned attention”.
“I am following with concerned attention the evolution of the situation in Syria. I am in constant contact with our embassy in Damascus and with the office of the Prime Minister. I have called an emergency meeting at 10:30 at the Foreign Ministry”, Tajani said on X.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen
Additionally, a statement from the United Nations’ Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said that he “underscores the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians that stable and inclusive transitional arrangements are put in place”.
He urged all Syrians to prioritise dialogue, unity, and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights as they seek to rebuild their society, adding he stands ready to support the Syrian people in their journey toward a stable and inclusive future.
“Today marks a watershed moment in Syria’s history — a nation that has endured nearly 14 years of relentless suffering and unspeakable loss […] This dark chapter has left deep scars, but today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one — one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians.”
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said: “Events in Syria moving at remarkable pace. More than decade of conflict has displaced millions. Now many more are in danger. We will respond wherever, whenever, however we can to support people in need, including reception centres — food, water, fuel, tents, blankets”.
