In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled the country as rebel forces seized control of Damascus. The collapse of Assad’s regime marks a pivotal moment in the Syrian Civil War, and global leaders, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, have weighed in on the development.
Taking to his social media platform, Trump described Assad’s ousting as a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, while reiterating his stance that the United States should avoid military involvement in the conflict.
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday morning:
“Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad.
Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.
This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in.
But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them. There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid.
In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”
The rapid offensive by rebel factions resulted in the capture of several key cities, including Homs and Aleppo, within a week.
The ease of their advance has been attributed to the weakening of Assad’s backers due to their engagements in Ukraine and other conflicts, according to AP.
Senior army officers confirmed that Assad had fled the country as rebel forces stormed Damascus, seizing control of the capital. His exact whereabouts remain unknown, though reports suggest he may have sought refuge in Russia or Iran.
President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to declare what he called “the most significant geopolitical shift in decades,” crediting his past policies for weakening Assad’s hold on power and setting the stage for the regime’s downfall.
Trump wrote:
“Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer. There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place.
They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever.
Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success. Likewise, Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness.
They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians. There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.
Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!”
Rebel forces, led by Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—formerly an Al-Qaeda commander and now the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—stormed Damascus in a swift offensive that encountered little resistance. This move effectively ended Assad’s control over the Syrian capital and signaled the disintegration of his regime.
For years, Assad’s government had relied on support from Russia and Iran to maintain its grip on power. However, a combination of military setbacks, growing opposition, and weakened alliances appears to have left the regime vulnerable.
Trump’s remarks underscore his long-held belief that U.S. intervention in Syria is unnecessary and counterproductive. He has consistently criticized previous administrations for engaging in Middle Eastern conflicts that, in his view, fail to serve America’s strategic interests.
Assad’s regime had leaned heavily on support from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Both nations provided military and financial aid, with Russia launching airstrikes and Iran deploying ground forces through its proxy militias.
However, Assad’s departure raises questions about the future influence of these key allies in Syria. Trump suggested that the collapse of Assad’s regime reflects a broader decline in Russian and Iranian power in the region.
“Russia and Iran are not the unstoppable forces they once appeared to be,” Trump added in his statement. “Their investments in Syria have failed, and their hold on the region is slipping.”
With Assad gone, the question of who will fill the power vacuum in Syria looms large. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by al-Jolani, has emerged as a dominant force among the rebel factions. However, the group’s extremist roots and links to Al-Qaeda have sparked concerns about the potential for renewed instability.
The international community remains divided on how to respond. Some nations, including Turkey and Qatar, have expressed cautious support for the rebel forces, while others worry that the collapse of Assad’s regime could pave the way for further chaos and extremist violence.
The collapse of Assad’s regime could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East. It signals the end of one of the region’s most controversial leaders, who ruled Syria for over two decades with an iron fist. His reign was marked by allegations of war crimes, widespread human rights abuses, and the use of chemical weapons against his own people.
For millions of Syrians displaced by the war, Assad’s fall represents a moment of hope for a brighter future. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, as the nation grapples with rebuilding and navigating a fractured political landscape.
As Syria enters a new chapter, the international community will closely monitor developments in Damascus. Whether the rebel forces can establish a stable government or if the country will descend further into chaos remains uncertain.
For President-elect Trump, Assad’s collapse offers an opportunity to reinforce his vision of a foreign policy focused on restraint and prioritizing American interests. However, the broader implications of his stance—and the potential for unintended consequences—will become clearer in the months ahead.
In the meantime, the world watches as the Syrian people face a critical juncture in their nation’s history, with Assad’s departure offering a glimmer of hope amid years of turmoil and suffering.
