Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria fell after a rapid 12-day offensive by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, who advanced from Aleppo and captured city after city as the Syrian army put up little resistance.
Mobs stormed the presidential palace, looting Bashar al-Assad’s belongings, as the Syrian dictator fled by plane to Moscow, Russia to seek asylum. His statue was also demolished.
This unexpected fall of Damascus has led to strong reactions from world leaders, each emphasizing this critical moment in Syria’s history.
India: ‘Avoid all travel to Syria’
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a travel advisory asking citizens to refrain from traveling to Syria and to contact the Indian Embassy in Damascus for security updates.
“In view of the prevailing situation in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice,” the MEA said.
United States: ‘Fundamental Act of Justice’
President Joe Biden called Assad’s fall “a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria.” He also noted the geopolitical implications, saying, “Neither Russia nor Iran nor Hezbollah can defend this abominable regime in Syria.” Biden described the incident as a “fundamental act of justice.”
Israel: ‘Fall of Assad regime offers great opportunity’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Assad’s fall as a milestone for the region. “The fall of the Assad regime offers great opportunities but is fraught with significant risks,” he said.
“We send a hand of peace to all the people beyond our borders in Syria,” Netanyahu said, offering peace to various factions in Syria.
Iran: ‘supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty’
Tehran insisted that Syrians should decide their own destiny by rejecting foreign intervention. “Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty,” the foreign ministry said, while expressing hope for “an end to the military conflict and the beginning of national dialogue.”
Iraq: ‘Respect Syria’s Free Will’
The Iraqi government, closely aligned with Iran, called for respect for Syrians’ choices and territorial integrity. “Iraq reaffirms the need to respect the free will of all Syrians and stresses that Syria’s security, territorial integrity and independence are of paramount importance,” government spokesman Basim Alwadi said.
The Iraqi government said it “supports all international and regional efforts to open dialogue” with Syria.
Yemen: ‘A Historic Moment’
Yemen’s recognized government called Assad’s fall a “historic moment”. Yemeni leaders, facing their own struggles, expressed support for the Syrian people and related to their struggles.
Poland:Evidence Russia and his allies can be defeated’
Prime Minister Donald Tusk saw Assad’s fall as a symbol of broader resistance to the Russian-backed regime. “Events in Syria have made the world realize once again, or at least it should, that even the most brutal regimes can fall and Russia and its allies can be defeated,” he posted on X.
Netherlands: ‘Relief to All Suffering Under Dictatorship’
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof welcomed the end of Assad’s dictatorship, calling it a “relief for all the people who suffered under his brutal dictatorship”. Schoof stressed the need for a peaceful transition and respect for minorities.
Russia: ‘We are in contact with the Syrian opposition’
Moscow claimed it was not involved in the decision but accepted Assad’s peaceful transfer of power. “We are in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said, urging restraint during this period of turmoil.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it was “closely following the dramatic events in Syria” and urged everyone to “refrain from using violence and resolve all issues through political means.”
China: ‘We hope Syria returns to stability’
The Chinese government expressed hope for peace and added that it had facilitated the safe evacuation of its citizens from Syria. Beijing reiterated its commitment to stability in the region.
China’s foreign ministry said it hoped Syria would return to stability as soon as possible.
UAE: ‘Footnote in History’
Emirati presidential adviser Anwar Gargash urged Syrians to cooperate for unity. “We hope that Syrians will work together,” he said, adding that Assad’s departure was a “footnote in history” compared to larger events.
Ukraine: ‘Putin always betrays those who rely on him’
Ukraine saw Assad’s fall as a blow to Putin’s influence. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga reiterated Kiev’s solidarity with the Syrians, saying, “Assad has fallen. That’s how it has always been and always will be for dictators who bet on (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him. is.” .
Afghan The Taliban: ‘Paving the Way for the Establishment of an Islamic Government’
Afghanistan’s Taliban government congratulated the Syrian rebels and expressed hope for an “independent and service-oriented Islamic government” free from foreign interference.
“We hope that the process of transition of power will be carried out in harmony with the aspirations of the Syrian people, paving the way for the establishment of an independent and service-oriented Islamic government,” a foreign ministry statement said, calling for Syria. To be able to “move free from outside interference”.
Egypt: ‘Broad Political Process’
Egypt’s foreign ministry called for a “comprehensive political process” to establish a lasting peace in Syria, urging regional cooperation to rebuild the nation.
United Nations: ‘Opportunity for a Sustainable Future’
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the end of what he called an “authoritarian regime”. Urging calm, he said, “Today, the people of Syria can seize a historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future.” He reiterated the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians during this transition.
EU: ‘Ready to support safeguarding national unity’
President of the EU Commission From Ursula Leyen highlighted both the opportunities and threats after Assad’s fall. “Europe is ready to defend national unity and support the rebuilding of the Syrian state protecting all minorities,” she posted on X. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas saw the collapse as a sign of weakness in Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran. “Our priority is to ensure security in the region,” she added.
United Kingdom: ‘We welcome Assad’s departure’
Prime Minister Keir Starmer The development of Syria was described as unparalleled. “The Syrian people have suffered too long under Assad’s barbaric rule and we welcome his departure,” he said in a written statement. Starmer stressed the need for a political solution to ensure “peace and stability are restored”.
France: ‘Wishing peace, freedom and unity’
President Emmanuel Macron expressed relief at the fall of the regime in a post on X. “I pay tribute to the Syrian people, their courage, their patience,” he wrote, calling Assad’s government a “barbaric state”. Macron assured France’s commitment to peace in the region, adding, “I send my best wishes for peace, freedom and unity.”
Germany: ‘Good News’
German Chancellor Olaf ScholzIn a televised address, Assad reflected on the atrocities. “Our thoughts today are with all the victims of the Assad regime, the brutally murdered, the tortured and the refugees,” he said. Calling the end of Assad’s rule “good news,” Scholz urged that “all Syrians must be given the opportunity to live with dignity and self-determination.”
Turkey: ‘Syrian people have started a new day’
“The Syrian people have begun a new day in which they will decide the future of their country,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism. Reiterating Turkey’s commitment, he added, “Turkey is ready to shoulder whatever responsibility is necessary to heal Syria’s wounds and ensure its unity, integrity and security.”
