Syria war LIVE updates: Assad granted asylum in Russia; U.S. says he should be held accountable

As Syrian rebels take over the country after President Bashar al-Assad flees to Moscow, several nations now urge for stability, peace; U.N. Security Council will convene today for an emergency closed door meeting regarding Syria

Updated – December 09, 2024 12:11 pm IST

Smoke rises, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 9, 2024. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus as Islamist-led rebels swept the city, ending a 13-year civil war and more than 50 years of his family’s brutal rule, and triggering celebrations across the country.

The lightning advance of a militia alliance spearheaded by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, marked one of the biggest turning points for the Middle East in generations. Assad’s fall wiped out a bastion from which Iran and Russia exercised influence across the Arab world.

Also Read: Biden says Assad’s fall in Syria is a ’fundamental act of justice,’ but ’a moment of risk’

Moscow has given asylum to Assad and his family, Russian media reported and Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Ambassador to international organisations in Vienna, said on his Telegram channel.

International governments welcomed the end of the Assads’ autocratic government, as they sought to take stock of a new-look Middle East.

Also Read: Highlights from the developments in Syria on December 8, 2024

U.S. President Joe Biden said Syria is in a period of risk and uncertainty, and it is the first time in years that neither Russia, Iran nor the Hezbollah militant organization held an influential role there.

The rebels face a monumental task of rebuilding and running a country after a war that left hundreds of thousands dead, cities pounded to dust and an economy hollowed by global sanctions. Syria will need billions of dollars in aid.

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December 09, 2024 12:10

Indians in Syria are safe, embassy in touch with them

Officials of the Indian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus are safe and are in contact with Indians in the conflict-hit country where the government of Bashar Al-Assad fell to a militant uprising on Sunday (December 8, 2024).

“Our embassy continues to remain operational in Damascus, Syria. The embassy is in touch with all Indian nationals, and they are safe. The embassy remains available to assist Indian nationals in Syria,” said a source in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Read full article here,

Indian embassy in Damascus open, in touch with Indians

Indian embassy in Damascus ensures safety of nationals amidst conflict, remains operational and in contact with citizens.
December 09, 2024 12:03

Big questions confronting the Biden administration and Trump’s team after Assad’s collapse in Syria

The sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is forcing the Biden administration and the incoming Trump team to confront intensifying questions about the possibility of greater conflicts across the Middle East.

Read full article here,

Big questions confronting the Biden administration and Trump’s team after Assad’s collapse in Syria

The collapse of the Syrian government prompts U.S. leaders to address escalating Middle East conflicts.
December 09, 2024 11:34

Syrians explore ousted Assad’s Damascus home

Roaming the opulent Damascus home of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Abu Omar felt a sense of giddy defiance being in the residence of the man he said had long oppressed him.

“I am taking pictures, because I am so happy to be here in the middle of his house,” said the 44-year-old, showing photographs he took on his mobile phone.

Read full article here,

Syrians explore ousted Assad’s Damascus home

Exploring Assad’s lavish Damascus home post-rebellion, Syrians revel in newfound freedom and seek revenge for past oppression.
December 09, 2024 11:20

Syrian rebels free prisoners from Assad’s notorious dungeons who celebrate in Damascus streets

As the insurgents swept across Syria in just 10 days to bring an end to the Assad family’s 50-year rule, they broke into prisons and security facilities to free political prisoners and many of the tens of thousands of people who disappeared since the conflict began back in 2011.

AP
December 09, 2024 11:16

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of insurgency that toppled Syria’s Assad?

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose stunning insurgency toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. As he entered Damascus behind his victorious fighters Sunday, he even dropped his nom de guerre and referred to himself with his real name, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test.

AP
December 09, 2024 10:46

U.N. Security Council to meet today on Syria: diplomatic sources

The U.N. Security Council will convene today (December 9, 2024) afternoon for an emergency closed door meeting regarding Syria in the aftermath of President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country, multiple diplomatic sources said on Sunday (December 8, 2024).

The meeting, set for 1:30 a.m. IST on December 10 (2000 GMT), was requested by Russia earlier.

– AFP