Middle East latest: Assad says he wanted to stay in Syria but Russia evacuated him
Assad Claims Forced Evacuation as Syrian Rebels Secure Damascus
Table of Contents
- Assad Claims Forced Evacuation as Syrian Rebels Secure Damascus
- UK Pledges Aid to syria as US Targets ISIS, Trump Talks to Netanyahu
- Netanyahu Trial Takes Pause as Israel Faces Missile Threats from Yemen
- Syrian President Assad Denies Fleeing Country Amidst Russian Base Attack
- Israeli airstrikes Rock Syrian Coast in most Violent Raid Since 2012
Damascus, Syria - Ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad broke his silence Monday, claiming he was forcibly evacuated from a Russian military base in western Syria after it came under attack. This contradicts earlier reports suggesting a planned departure following the fall of Damascus to jihadi-led rebels a week ago.
“I did not leave the contry as part of a plan as it was reported earlier,” Assad stated on his Facebook page, his first public comments as being overthrown on December 8th. Syrian rebels, now working to establish security and initiate a political transition, have yet to comment on Assad’s claims.
The dramatic collapse of Assad’s rule has prompted a flurry of international activity. Israel, citing the need to neutralize threats, has intensified airstrikes against what it claims are Syrian military sites, decimating air defenses and much of the Syrian army’s arsenal. Israeli troops have also seized a border buffer zone in the Golan Heights, drawing condemnation and accusations of violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement.
Global Response to Syrian Crisis
the international community is grappling with the rapidly evolving situation in Syria.
UK to Engage with New Syrian Leadership:
The British government announced it will dispatch a delegation to Syria to meet with the newly empowered rebel leaders and civil society groups. Foreign secretary David Lammy emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting an “inclusive transitional political process that is Syrian-led and Syrian-owned.”
Gaza Conflict Intensifies Amidst Syrian Turmoil:
Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate. An Israeli artillery attack on Monday in the Nuseirat refugee camp tragically killed Khaled Nabhan,a Palestinian grandfather whose poignant embrace of his granddaughter’s lifeless body during the November 2023 war became a symbol of the conflict’s devastating toll.
Nabhan’s death, confirmed by Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, comes a year after the heartbreaking video of him cradling 3-year-old reem, killed alongside her infant brother Tarek in Israeli strikes, went viral.
Ceasefire hopes Emerge:
Despite the ongoing violence, there are glimmers of hope for a ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed optimism, stating that negotiators are closer to a deal than at any point as a weeklong truce in November 2023.
Katz attributed this progress to Hamas’s increasing willingness to be more flexible. The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, a key Hamas ally, has also removed a significant obstacle to peace.
The situation remains fluid, with the Syrian crisis and the Gaza conflict intertwined in a complex web of geopolitical tensions. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of both conflicts and the future of the Middle East.
UK Pledges Aid to syria as US Targets ISIS, Trump Talks to Netanyahu
London/washington/damascus - The United Kingdom announced a £50 million ($63 million) aid package for Syria on Sunday, aiming to provide essential services to vulnerable Syrians amidst ongoing instability.This comes as the US continues its fight against the Islamic State group in Syria, conducting airstrikes that killed 12 militants on Monday. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump revealed he had a “very good talk” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating his threat to unleash ”hell” if Israeli hostages in Gaza are not released by his inauguration.
UK Aid for Syria
The UK’s aid package will focus on providing food, shelter, medical care, and othre emergency services to Syrians in need. The declaration comes as the country grapples with the aftermath of a sudden rebel offensive that led to the unexpected collapse of the syrian government.
While the UK classifies Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main rebel group and a former al-Qaida affiliate, as a terrorist association, officials have hinted at a potential review of this designation. They emphasize that dialog with HTS remains possible despite the classification.
US Strikes against ISIS
The US military conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria on Monday, targeting camps and operatives and resulting in the deaths of 12 militants. US Central Command stated the strikes aim to prevent ISIS from conducting external operations and reconstituting in central Syria.
The US has maintained a military presence in Syria for the past decade, and the recent collapse of the Syrian government has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of ISIS.
Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Hostages
President-elect Trump revealed he had a “very good talk” with Prime Minister Netanyahu, focusing on the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. trump reiterated his previous threat, stating that “all hell’s going to break out” if the hostages are not freed by the time he takes office next month.
Trump declined to comment on any conversations he may have had with Russian President Vladimir Putin since his election victory.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed a meeting between the Prime Minister and Adam Boehler, Trump’s special envoy for hostages, during Boehler’s private visit to Israel.
UN Envoy Visits Syria
The UN envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, visited Damascus on Monday, meeting with the country’s new rebel leaders and families of those who disappeared into the notorious Saydnaya Prison during the rule of ousted President Bashar Assad.
Pedersen reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people following Assad’s sudden overthrow by jihadi-led rebels. He met with Ahmed al-Sharaa,the leader of the main insurgent group,and Mohammed Bashir,Syria’s interim prime minister.The transition following Assad’s removal has been surprisingly smooth, with minimal reports of reprisals or sectarian violence. However, concerns remain about the potential for Sunni Islamist extremists to gain power.
Pedersen also toured Saydnaya Prison, known as “the slaughterhouse” under Assad’s rule. he spoke with families searching for missing loved ones and expressed hope that the prison’s dark chapter in Syrian history is now closed.
Netanyahu’s Trial Resumes
In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial is set to resume on Wednesday.
Netanyahu Trial Takes Pause as Israel Faces Missile Threats from Yemen
Jerusalem – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial has been temporarily halted, with his lawyers requesting a postponement of his testimony scheduled for Tuesday. Netanyahu, who took the stand for the first time last week, is expected to resume his testimony on Wednesday.
This progress comes as israel grapples with a barrage of security challenges, including the ongoing war in Gaza and escalating tensions with Yemen. On Monday,sirens blared across the Tel Aviv metropolitan area as the israeli military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.
The missile, which the Israeli military said was intercepted outside its borders, triggered a wave of anxiety across the region. While there were no reports of casualties, shrapnel from an Israeli interceptor missile landed on a roof in east Jerusalem.
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed obligation for the attack, stating they fired a hypersonic ballistic missile toward Tel Aviv. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks by the Houthis against israel since the start of the Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu’s Legal Battle Amidst Regional Turmoil
Netanyahu, 75, faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases.He vehemently denies any wrongdoing, characterizing the charges as a politically motivated witch hunt orchestrated by a antagonistic media and a biased legal system.
His testimony, which is expected to span several weeks, will consume a significant portion of his time as he navigates the complexities of the Gaza war and other regional crises, including developments in Syria and Lebanon.
Assad Claims Forced Evacuation from Damascus
Adding to the regional turmoil, ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has broken his silence, claiming he had no intention of leaving Damascus after its fall to insurgent groups a week ago. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Assad alleged that he was evacuated by Russian allies after their base in western Syria came under attack.
This marks the first public statement from Assad since his overthrow, shedding light on the chaotic events surrounding the fall of the Syrian capital.
The confluence of these events underscores the volatile security landscape in the Middle East, with Israel facing multiple threats on its borders and the Syrian conflict continuing to unfold with unpredictable consequences.
Syrian President Assad Denies Fleeing Country Amidst Russian Base Attack
Damascus, Syria – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has denied reports that he fled the country following a drone attack on a Russian military base in Latakia province. In a statement released Monday,Assad asserted that he was relocated to Russia for security reasons but remains committed to fighting against what he termed “terrorist onslaughts.”
The russian base, a key strategic asset for Moscow in its support of the Assad regime, came under attack by unidentified drones on December 8th. Following the attack, Assad was reportedly moved to Russia, sparking speculation about his future and the stability of his regime.
“I did not leave the country as part of a plan as it was reported earlier,” Assad stated. “At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge nor was such proposal made by any individual or party. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.”
Assad’s statement comes as the Syrian conflict enters its 14th year, with no end in sight. The ongoing war has devastated the country, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced.
Death Toll in Israel-Hamas War Surpasses 45,000
Gaza City, Gaza strip – The death toll from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants has tragically surpassed 45,000, according to health officials in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties, reported that over half of the fatalities were women and children.
The Israeli military claims to have killed over 17,000 Hamas militants, but has not provided evidence to support this claim. The Health Ministry also reported that over 106,962 people have been wounded since the conflict began 14 months ago.
International Condemnation of Israeli Settlement Expansion in golan Heights
Ankara, Turkey – Turkey has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, calling it a “new stage in Israel’s goal of expanding its borders through occupation.” The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed concern that the move woudl undermine peace and stability efforts in Syria.
Qatar also denounced the decision, labeling it “a new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law.”
The Israeli government approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan on Sunday, aiming to encourage population growth in the disputed territory.Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it, although the international community, with the exception of the United States, considers it occupied territory.
Mourners in Gaza Bid Farewell to Al Jazeera Journalist Killed in Strike
Deir al-Balah, Gaza strip – mourners in Gaza carried the body of Ahmad Baker Al-louh, a 39-year-old Palestinian journalist working for Al jazeera, through the streets of Nuseirat refugee camp on Monday. Al-Louh was killed in an airstrike on a civil defense agency point the previous day while covering rescue operations for a family injured in an earlier bombing.
Al Jazeera confirmed Al-Louh’s death, stating he was wearing his blue bulletproof vest at the time of the strike. The attack also claimed the lives of three civil defense workers, including the local head of the agency, according to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
Israeli Airstrike Kills 10 in Gaza City, Including Family of Four
Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip – An Israeli airstrike on Sunday night in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighborhood killed 10 people, including a family of four, according to Palestinian medics. The Health Ministry’s ambulance and emergency service reported that rescuers recovered the bodies of two parents and their two children from the rubble of a destroyed house.
US Embassy Urges Americans to Leave Syria Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Damascus, syria – The U.S. Embassy in Damascus has issued a statement urging American citizens to leave Syria immediately, citing the volatile and unpredictable security situation. The embassy, which has been closed since 2012, warned that armed conflict and “terrorism throughout the country” pose significant risks to americans.
The statement emphasized that the U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to citizens in Syria and advised those unable to depart to prepare “contingency plans for emergency situations.”
Israeli airstrikes Rock Syrian Coast in most Violent Raid Since 2012
Tartous, syria - A series of powerful Israeli airstrikes targeted missile warehouses and former Syrian army sites along Syria’s coast early Monday, marking the most intense bombardment in the region since 2012, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.The UK-based war monitor reported “violent explosions” rocking the coastal city of Tartous as a result of the strikes and the detonation of ground-to-ground missiles stored in the targeted warehouses.
The israeli military declined to comment on the strikes.
This latest escalation comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region.Despite the Islamic State group’s territorial defeat in March 2019, sleeper cells continue to carry out deadly attacks across Syria, underscoring the fragile security situation.
This text provides a snapshot of a rapidly evolving and complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East, focusing on the following key developments:
Syria:
Assad’s ouster and the rise of HTS: The text mentions the unexpected collapse of the Syrian government and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, as the main rebel group. While the UK classifies HTS as a terrorist organization, they hint at a potential review of this designation, suggesting a possible shift in policy towards engaging with the group.
UK aid package: The UK has announced a £million aid package to support vulnerable Syrians with food, shelter, medical care, and other essential services. This aid comes as the contry grapples with the aftermath of the rebel offensive.
Assad’s denial of fleeing: Assad has denied fleeing Syria and claims he was relocated to Russia for security reasons following a drone attack on a Russian base. He emphasizes his commitment to “fighting against terrorist onslaughts.”
Israel:
Netanyahu’s corruption trial: Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial is ongoing, with his testimony set to resume. However, the trial has been temporarily halted due to security challenges.
Missile threats from Yemen: israel has intercepted a missile launched from Yemen by Houthi rebels, further escalating tensions in the region. The missile targeted Tel Aviv, causing anxiety but no casualties.
Gaza war: The conflict between Israel and Hamas has tragically resulted in over 45,000 deaths, according to Gaza health officials.
US involvement:
Airstrikes against ISIS: The US military has conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria to prevent them from regrouping and launching external operations.
Other key points:
Trump’s stance on hostages: president-elect Trump has reiterated his threat to unleash “hell” if Israeli hostages held in Gaza are not released by his inauguration.
UN envoy’s visit to Syria: the UN envoy to Syria,Geir Pedersen,visited Damascus to meet with new rebel leaders and families of those who disappeared into Saydnaya Prison under Assad’s rule.
this text highlights several interconnected storylines in the Middle East, underscoring:
The volatile security situation: Threats from various actors, including ISIS, Hamas, and Iran-aligned groups, continue to pose challenges for regional stability.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis:
The conflict in Syria has resulted in widespread displacement and human suffering, requiring notable international aid.
The complex political landscape: Shifting alliances, power struggles, and ongoing conflicts make it tough to predict the future trajectory of the region.