Syria LIVE | Israel strikes Damascus, seizes more territory in occupied Golan Heights

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has extended congratulations to the Hayat Tahrir as-Sham (HTS) leadership in Syria while expressing their desire for stability and unity in the nation.

“We express hope that the remaining phases of the revolution will be managed in a way that secures a peaceful, unified and stable system,” Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

“It is hoped that the power transition process is advanced in a manner that lays the foundations of a sovereign and service-oriented Islamic government in line with the aspirations of the Syrian people; that unifies the entire population without discrimination and retribution through adoption of a general amnesty; and a positive foreign policy with world countries that safeguards Syria from the threat of negative rivalries of foreign actors and creates conditions for the return of millions of refugees,” the statement continued.

Moreover, it called “on all foreign actors involved in Syria to adopt policies of positive engagement and cooperation, both with each other and with the new leadership, that enables Syria to embark on a path towards good governance, security and stability”.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, delivered a victory address from Damascus’s Umayyad Mosque after wresting control of the capital on Sunday.

The leader of Syria’s rebel forces declared: “This victory, my brothers, is historic for the region.”

He further proclaimed the rebel conquest as a triumph “for the entire Islamic nation” in a video statement distributed by rebels via Telegram.

“Today, Syria is being purified,” he stated, noting that “this victory is born from the people who have languished in prison, and the mujahideen (fighters) broke their chains”.

He criticised Assad’s Syria as a haven for “Iranian ambitions, where sectarianism was rife”, referencing Assad’s connections with Iran and its Lebanese affiliate Hezbollah.

HTS originated from Al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate but severed its connections in 2016. It is still designated as a terrorist organisation by Western nations, but HTS has tried to present a more moderate image in recent years.

Hours after capturing Damascus, the anti-Assad coalition said on December 8 that it is working towards forming a transitional governing body with full executive powers. Hadi Al-Bahra, leader of Syria’s main opposition abroad, said Syria should have an 18-month transition period to create “a safe, neutral, and quiet environment” for holding free elections.

US president-elect Donald Trump has ruled out any role for the US in Syria. “In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend and THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” he wrote on Truth Social.

The fall of the Assad regime that “brutalised, tortured and killed thousands of innocent Syrians” over the past half a century is a historic opportunity for the people of the country, outgoing US President Joe Biden said on Sunday.

“After 13 years of civil war in Syria and more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar Assad and his father before him, rebel forces have forced Assad to resign his office and flee the country. We’re not sure where he is, but there’s word that he’s in Moscow. At long last, the Assad regime has fallen,” Biden said.

“This regime brutalised, tortured and killed hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country,” he said.

It is also a moment of risk and uncertainty, Biden said, adding that over the past few weeks, the support of Hezbollah, Iran and Russia to the Assad regime had collapsed. He observed a new opportunity for the people of Syria now.

“Looking ahead, the United States will do the following. First, we’ll support Syria’s neighbours, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel, should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition. I will speak with leaders of the region in the coming days. I had long discussions with all of our people earlier this morning. I'll send senior officials from my administration to the region as well,” he said.

“Second, we will help ensure stability in eastern Syria, protecting our personnel against any threats, and our mission against ISIS will be maintained, including security of detention facilities, where ISIS fighters are being held as prisoners. We're clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its capabilities and create a haven. We will not let that happen,” he said.

“Just today, US forces conducted a dozen precision strikes, airstrikes, within Syria, targeting ISIS camps and operatives. Third, we will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations to establish a transition away from the Assad regime towards independent and sovereign Syria, with a new constitution, and a new government that serves all Syrians. And this process will be determined by the Syrian people themselves,” Biden said.

All Indian nationals in Syria are safe, government sources said on Sunday, hours after Islamist rebels captured power in Damascus evicting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.

The Indian embassy continues to remain operational in Damascus and it is in touch with all Indian nationals, and they are safe, they said.

The embassy remains available to assist Indian nationals in Syria, they said.

According to official data, there are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organisations.

“Our Embassy continues to remain operational in Damascus, Syria. The Embassy is in touch with all Indian nationals, and they are safe,” said a source.

Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have been given asylum by Russia and they are currently in Moscow, Reuters has reported. “President Assad of Syria has arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them (him and his family) asylum on humanitarian grounds,” Interfax news agency reported quoting a source. According to the Russian foreign ministry, Bashar al-Assad left office and departed Syria after giving orders for a peaceful handover of power.