Fall Of Damascus: Syrian Rebels Topple Statue Of Bashar al-Assad’s Father – VIDEO

Damascus: Quickly after rebels entered the capital metropolis of Syria, they introduced down a statue of President Bashar al-Assad’s Father, Hafez. In a viral footage, rebels are seen toppling the statue in a central sq. within the metropolis of Hama, with slogans denouncing the rule of Assad.

This got here after authorities forceses withdrew below heavy stress and rebels took over town. President Assad left the nation.

Hama has fallen to insurgent forces in a major milestone of their sweeping offensive throughout Syria. Witnesses described seeing “dozens of protesters” destroying a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of President Assad, a longstanding image of the Assad household’s rule. Related scenes unfolded just lately in Aleppo, the place a statue of Assad’s late brother, Bassel, was additionally dismantled.

The Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), main the offensive, declared victory in Hama. Its chief, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, assured residents there could be “no revenge” as fighters seized management of town, together with its central jail, releasing quite a few inmates.

The insurgent advance has dealt a extreme blow to the Syrian navy, which has struggled to take care of management. Key southern cities, together with Deraa, Suweida, and Quneitra, have additionally fallen, with insurgent forces now simply 50 kilometres from Damascus.

Authorities defences have shifted to Homs, a strategic metropolis linking Damascus to the Mediterranean coast. Experiences from state media point out heavy airstrikes and reinforcements are being deployed to defend Homs. Nonetheless, analysts warn that its fall would drastically weaken the regime’s capability to take care of its maintain on the nation.

The worldwide response has been divided. Russia, Iran, and Turkey—key stakeholders within the area—have urged an finish to the combating however stay cut up of their help for numerous factions. In the meantime, Western governments have voiced issues over potential chemical weapons use, elevating alarms about escalating violence and its impression on civilians.