What are key international players saying?published at 05:03 Greenwich Mean Time
Several countries have vested interests in the future of Syria, including President Assad’s allies, and say they are keen to play a role in supporting a new government.
Russia, which has reportedly given Assad and his family asylum in Moscow, has said that its military bases in the country are on “high alert” but an unnamed Kremlin source has told Russian media that their safety has been guaranteed by the rebels. Moscow is calling for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in order to discuss what happens next.
Iran, which also backed the Assad regime, has said that it expects “friendly” relations with Syria to continue. In a statement, its foreign ministry calls for “the initiation of national dialogue involving all segments of Syrian society to establish an inclusive governance structure that represents all Syrians”.
Turkey, which backs some of the rebel groups, says it will “intensify” efforts to help secure Syria’s peaceful and stable future in the coming days. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says that this includes looking for a way to repatriate millions of Syrians who have fled during the civil war – many of whom have ended up in Turkey.
US President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has said Syria is facing a moment of “historic opportunity” but America is also worried about a possible power vacuum and has already struck what it says are areas in eastern Syria where the Islamic State terror group is restoring itself.
Other countries, including China, say they are watching developments in Syria closely.