Syria Civil War Live: Hamas congratulates Syrians on toppling Assad, achieving 'freedom and justice'

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Israel hits Syrian air bases, destroying dozens of helicopters and planes, Syrian security sources say

Israeli aircraft conducted extensive strikes on three major Syrian military air installations, marking the most significant aerial assault on such facilities since President Bashar al Assad's fall from power, according to two Syrian security officials quoted by Reuters.

The targeted facilities included Qamishli air base in northeastern Syria, Shinshar base near Homs, and Aqrba airport located southwest of Damascus. These installations housed numerous helicopters and aircraft.

Additionally, Israeli forces carried out attacks on a research facility near Damascus and targeted an electronic warfare centre in the vicinity of Sayeda Zainab area of the capital.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Israel incursion into Syria must be 'temporary',' says US

The United States declared on Monday that Israel's military presence in Syria extending past the Golan Heights, following the removal of Bashar al-Assad, should remain "temporary," after the UN indicated that Israel had breached a 1974 agreement.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "This is a temporary action that they have taken in response to actions by the Syrian military to withdraw from that area. Now, what we want to see, ultimately, is that agreement fully upheld, and we'll watch to see that Israel does that."

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Assad's Baath party says supports Syria transition phase

The Baath party of Syria announced on Monday its commitment to back the nation's transition following the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad, who fled amidst a rebel victory, concluding over 50 years of authoritarian rule.

"We will remain supportive of a transitional phase in Syria aimed at defending the unity of the country," stated party Secretary-General Ibrahim al-Hadid in an official release.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: At least two explosions were heard in Syria's capital, Damascus, according to Reuters witnesses

Damascus explosions were in Barzeh near Syrian government center linked to chemical weapons production, three witnesses said.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Israeli PM says occupied Golan Heights Israeli 'for eternity'

However, UN criticised the move saying Israeli army presence in Golan buffer zone a 'violation' of 1974 agreement.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Erdogan says Turkey is opening border gate with Syria for return of migrants

Turkey is opening its Yayladagi border gate with Syria to manage the safe and voluntary return of the millions of Syrian migrants it hosts, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, adding Ankara was ready to support the country's rebuilding in any way it can.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan added that Turkey would not allow new terrorist elements to emerge on its borders.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Global chemical arms watchdog warns Syria about unaccounted weapons

The global chemical weapons watchdog said Monday that it reminded Syria of its obligations to comply with rules to safeguard certain toxic chemicals after rebels entered the capital Damascus over the weekend and overthrew Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said in a statement it has been “monitoring closely the recent developments in Syria, with special attention to the status of its chemical weapons-related sites and other locations of interest.”

Syria’s Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said Monday that most cabinet ministers are still working from offices in Damascus but the status of a stockpile of chemical weapons that Assad has been accused of using against civilians is unclear.

The OPCW has been in contact with the Syrian embassy in The Hague, where the organization is based.

Neighboring Israel has said it is carrying out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel has also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Tanker carrying Iranian oil to Syria turns around after Assad’s fall

A tanker carrying Iranian oil to Syria turned round in the Red Sea to head away from its original destination, following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to ship tracking data.

The Suezmax tanker Lotus, carrying around 1 million barrels of Iranian oil, turned around just before the Suez Canal on Dec. 8 to start sailing southbound in the Red Sea, according to maritime data analytics firm Kpler.

Tanker Trackers, another ship tracking source, also reported Lotus' turnaround in the Red Sea.

The Iran-flagged tanker, laden with crude loaded on Iran’s Kharg Island, sailed past the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the south end of the Red Sea on Monday, and was not signalling a new destination, according to Kpler.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Going to be unsettled for a while, not end of story in Syria, say former Indian diplomats

The situation in Syria is going to be "unsettled" for a while and one will have to keep fingers crossed if the opposition forces in that country remain together and open a "new chapter" of unity, sanity and development, several former Indian diplomats have said. A day after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar Assad's authoritarian government in Syria, India on Monday called for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process to bring stability to that country.

Anil Wadhwa, a former secretary (east) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) thinks the situation in Syria now is "not going to be easy at all".

Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani has said that he will "respect minorities", but he has also said they should follow the right kind of religion, he pointed out and conjectured that this could lead to sectarian strife.

The former diplomat said this development in Syria will have an impact on the wider region.

"I don't think it is something that will settle very quickly. Interested parties will be affected and they will start resisting. So, it's not the end of the story in Syria," Wadhwa told PTI.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: UN watchdog warns Syria to secure chemical weapons

The United Nations chemical watchdog OPCW said Monday it had warned Syrian authorities to make sure suspected stockpiles of chemical weapons were safe after the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

The OPCW said it had contacted Syria "with a view to emphasising the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of all chemical weapons related materials and facilities" in the country.

Syria agreed in 2013 to join the OPCW shortly after an alleged chemical gas attack killed more than 1,400 people near Damascus.

It handed over its declared stockpile for destruction but the OPCW has always been concerned that the declaration made by Damascus was incomplete and that more weapons remained.

"To date... the Syrian declaration of its chemical weapons programme still cannot be considered as accurate and complete," said the OPCW.

"Serious concerns have remained about the completeness of Syria's initial declaration and the fate of significant amounts of chemical weapons unaccounted for," added the group.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: World cautious over 'terrorist' HTS role in new Syria

International diplomats reacted cautiously Monday to the prospect of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group taking control in Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

HTS, which led the rebel groups that ousted Assad, has its roots in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda and is proscribed as a "terrorist" organisation by Western governments, including the European Union.

Although HTS and its leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani have promised to protect minorities and respect people's rights, Europe is not ready to trust them just yet.

- No EU contact -

The EU is "not currently engaging with HTS or its leaders full stop", EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said.

Despite initially encouraging words from al-Jolani -- who like his group, is subject to EU sanctions -- the bloc said it would reserve judgment on the Islamists.

"As HTS takes on greater responsibilities, we will need to assess not just their words but also their actions," said Anouni.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Germany pauses asylum applications for Syrians after fall of Assad

Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has put all asylum applications from Syrian nationals on hold until further notice after the toppling Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, an Interior Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Asylum requests will be not be processed until there is more clarity on political developments in the country, which is just emerging from a 13-year civil war, the spokesperson said.

Over 800,000 people with Syrian citizenship live in Germany, with the majority having come as refugees following former Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision in 2015 to allow over a million asylum seekers to enter Germany.

Syria was the top country of origin for asylum seekers in Germany this year, with 72,420 asylum applications submitted by the end of November, BAMF data shows. Some 47,270 asylum applications from Syrians remain undecided.

The decision comes ahead of snap elections set for February. Far-right and conservative parties are topping the polls, and Germans view migration as the second biggest problem their country faces, a poll by Infratest showed on Friday.

The head Bavaria's conservatives, Markus Soeder, on Monday referred to the BAMF suspension as "the right decision."

'Independence from Assad': How the rebel flag differs from the current Syrian flag

Syrian jihadist rebels announced on Sunday that they have captured the capital Damascus and end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule, following 13 years of civil war. Read more

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Hamas congratulates Syrians for achieving aspirations for freedom and justice

Palestinian group Hamas congratulated the Syrian people on Monday for achieving their aspirations for freedom and justice after toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: EU says 'not currently engaging' with Syrian Islamists HTS

The European Union said on Monday it was not in contact with Islamist group HTS, which spearheaded the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, and urged a peaceful political transition.

On Sunday, a lightning offensive spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ended five decades of rule by the Assad family.

HTS is rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch but broke ties with the group in 2016. The group and its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, are under EU sanctions.

"The European Union is not currently engaging with HTS or its leaders full stop," EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said.

"As HTS takes on greater responsibilities, we will need to assess not just their words but also their actions."

Syria Civil War Live Updates: UN rights chief urges accountability in Syria, sees huge chance for fair transition

The UN human rights chief called on Monday for accountability for perpetrators of abuse under toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, but said there was a "huge chance" for an inclusive political transition, and that early signs were promising.

Syrians woke on Monday to a hopeful if uncertain future, after rebels seized the capital Damascus and Assad fled to Russia, following 13 years of civil war and more than 50 years of brutal Assad family rule.

"We will need to make sure that those who are responsible for these violations, be it on the side of the previous government, the president and others, but also all others who are responsible for violations - that they are brought to account," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told a Geneva press briefing, calling for meticulous preservation of evidence.

"(Accountability) is going to be a key piece of the transition, because we cannot afford that we go back to those periods where indeed impunity reigns."

Turk's office pointed to the disappearance of more than 100,000 people during the war alone, and the use of torture and chemical weapons.

Syria is not currently a member of the International Criminal Court, although a new government could join it. Russia blocked past attempts at the UN Security Council to refer Syria to the court.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: EU urges 'orderly, peaceful and inclusive transition' in Syria

The European Union called Monday for a peaceful political transition in war-torn Syria after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels.

"Now more than ever, it is imperative that all stakeholders engage in an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue on all key issues to ensure an orderly, peaceful and inclusive transition," the 27-nation bloc said in a statement.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Need for all parties to work towards preserving Syria's territorial integrity, says India

A day after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar Assad's authoritarian government in Syria, India on Monday called for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process to bring stability to that country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is monitoring the unfolding developments in Syria while underlining the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Arab Republic.

The Syrian government collapsed on Sunday as the rebels seized control of the capital Damascus. Assad fled the country for an undisclosed location, marking the end of his family's 50-year rule.

"We are monitoring the situation in Syria in light of the ongoing developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria," the MEA said in a statement.

"We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society," it said.

The MEA said the Indian embassy in Damascus is in contact with the Indian community in Syria for their "safety and security".

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Rebel flag raised over Syrian embassy in Russia, watch

A group of men raised the Syrian opposition flag at the Syrian embassy in Moscow on Monday morning. Standing on the balcony of the embassy, the men sang and clapped as they hoisted the green, red, black, and white flag amidst falling snow.

The three-starred flag of the Syrian rebel groups has been installed over the Syrian embassy building in Moscow, some videos on social media show. Read more

Putin’s decision': Kremlin on ousted Syrian President Assad gaining asylum in Russia

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Moscow, the Associated Press reported. Read more

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Russia says it has given political asylum to former Syrian President Bashar Assad

The Kremlin said Monday that Russia has granted political asylum to former Syrian President Bashar Assad. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally made the decision to offer asylum to Assad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov wouldn't comment on Assad's specific whereabouts. He said that Putin wasn't planning to meet with Assad.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: Israel strikes suspected chemical weapons sites, long-range rockets in Syria

Israel has struck suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets in Syria in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile actors, the foreign minister said Monday. Syrian rebels reached Damascus over the weekend and overthrew President Bashar Assad's government following nearly 14 years of civil war, raising hopes for a more peaceful future but also concerns about a potential security vacuum in the country, which is still split among armed groups.

Israelis have welcomed the fall of Assad, who was a key ally of Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, while expressing concern over what comes next. Israel says its forces temporarily seized a buffer zone inside Syria dating back to a 1974 agreement after Syrian troops withdrew in the chaos.

"The only interest we have is the security of Israel and its citizens," Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday. "That's why we attacked strategic weapons systems, like, for example, remaining chemical weapons, or long-range missiles and rockets, in order that they will not fall in the hands of extremists."

Saar did not provide details about when or where the strikes took place.

Syria Civil War Live Updates: 'Putin’s decision', says Kremlin on ousted Syrian President Assad gaining asylum in Russia

Kremlin on ousted Syrian President Assad gaining asylum in Russia said that it was Vladimir Putin's decision.

Syria Civil War Live: Israel says takeover of Syria buffer zone 'limited, temporary step'

Gideon Saar, Israel's foreign minister, clarified on Monday that their military's occupation of the buffer zone near the Syrian border was not intended to be permanent.

During a press conference at Jerusalem's foreign ministry, Saar stated, "This is a limited and temporary step we took for security reasons." The action followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive on Sunday, instructing the military to assume control of the zone following Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's downfall.

Syria Civil War Live: Syrian rebel flag flies over embassy in Moscow

The Syrian rebel's three-starred banner now flies atop the Syrian embassy in Moscow, according to a Reuters witness on Monday.

Media outlets in Russia reported on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow after opposition forces entered Damascus without resistance, concluding the Assad dynasty's nearly 60-year control over Syria.

Syria Civil War Live: Israel's foreign minister says it has struck suspected chemical weapons sites in Syria

Israeli foreign minister also said that minorities in Syria must be protected, attacks on Kurds in Syria must stop.

Syria Civil War Live: China calls for 'political solution' to restore stability in Syria

On Monday, China's foreign ministry urged for a swift "political solution" in Syria to restore stability and order, following the rebel takeover of the Syrian capital and the president's escape to Russia.

At a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China is monitoring Syrian developments closely, whilst hoping all parties involved will prioritise the Syrian people's fundamental interests.

Syrian rebels declared on state television on Sunday that they had removed President Bashar al-Assad from power, concluding a 50-year family rule in an offensive that sparked concerns about fresh instability in an already war-affected Middle East.

The swift progress of an armed coalition led by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, represented a significant regional shift unseen for generations. The United States, Turkey and the United Nations classify HTS as a terrorist organisation.

"The future and destiny of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people, and we hope that all the relevant parties will find a political solution to restore stability and order as soon as possible," Mao said.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Monday said that India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Syria, urging all parties to work towards preserving the country's unity and territorial integrity.

The statement statement called for a peaceful, inclusive Syrian-led political process that respects the aspirations of all Syrians.

'We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity': India issues statement on Syria

Syria Civil War Live: Syrian rebels uncover tunnel network under Assad's palace

Syria Civil War Live: Tears flow as women inmates see daylight after decades; 'end of assad's slaughterhouse' - video

From the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, HTS commander Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, whose birth name is Ahmed al-Sharaa said, "This victory, my brothers, is historic for the region." He characterised the conquest as a triumph 'for the entire Islamic nation' and declared that "Today, Syria is being purified". He further stated that "this victory is born from the people who have languished in prison, and the mujahideen (fighters) broke their chains."

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces captured Damascus, Syria's capital, on Sunday through a rapid military campaign that concluded in under two weeks. Following the takeover, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sought refuge in Moscow, as reported by Russian media outlets.

Syria Civil War Live: Syrian rebels free prisoners from Assad's notorious dungeons who celebrate in Damascus streets

On Sunday, 63-year-old writer Bashar Barhoum awoke in his prison cell in Damascus, expecting to be executed after seven months of imprisonment. However, instead of the feared security forces, rebels arrived to free him. As insurgents rapidly advanced across Syria, they broke into prisons to release political prisoners, including many who had been missing since the start of the conflict in 2011.

Barhoum, overwhelmed with disbelief, celebrated his newfound freedom. “I haven’t seen the sun until today,” he said, expressing gratitude for his unexpected survival. Videos shared on social media captured prisoners, some barefoot and barely clothed, running in joy after being freed by the rebels. One screamed in celebration upon hearing that the Assad regime had fallen.

Syria’s prisons have long been notorious for their brutal conditions. Torture, starvation, and executions were commonplace, as evidenced by over 53,000 photos smuggled out in 2013 by a defector. Saydnaya prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," was especially notorious, with Amnesty International estimating that up to 13,000 people were secretly executed there between 2011 and 2016.

As the regime crumbled, families of missing detainees waited outside prisons, hoping to find their loved ones. "This happiness will not be complete until I see my son," said one grieving father, whose son had been detained for 13 years. (AP)

Syria Civil War Live: Syrians rejoice as Assad flees, ending brutal reign

President Bashar al-Assad abandoned Syria amidst an Islamist-led rebel takeover of Damascus, sparking nationwide and international celebrations marking the conclusion of his authoritarian leadership.

The streets of Damascus erupted with jubilant crowds and celebratory gunfire as the Baath party's five-decade reign concluded dramatically with Assad's departure from the capital on Sunday.
According to Russian news outlets, Assad and his family sought refuge in Moscow. Meanwhile, on Monday, search teams investigated Damascus's infamous Sednaya prison, looking for concealed subterranean chambers where prisoners might be held secretly.

The Assad administration collapsed following an 11-day unexpected rebel offensive, occurring more than 13 years after Assad's violent response to anti-government demonstrations initiated Syria's civil conflict, which had remained relatively quiet until this rebel advancement.

"This victory, my brothers, is historic for the region," Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) that spearheaded the advance, said in an address at the landmark Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

American President Joe Biden stated that Assad must face accountability whilst describing the country's political transformation as a "historic opportunity" for Syrian reconstruction.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has transformed from a militant extremist to a self-proclaimed advocate of diversity and inclusivity, severing his al-Qaida connections. Upon entering Damascus with his triumphant forces on Sunday, he chose to use his birth name, distancing himself from his militant past.

With insurgent forces now controlling Damascus and Assad in hiding, Syria's governance structure faces uncertainty for the first time in five decades since the Assad family's authoritarian rule began.

Syria's diverse population comprises various ethnic and religious groups, who have experienced divisions during Assad's regime and the subsequent conflict. Many citizens are concerned about potential Sunni Islamist extremist leadership. The nation remains divided among various armed groups, whilst international powers including Russia, Iran, the United States, Turkey and Israel maintain significant influence.

Following Damascus' capture, the 42-year-old al-Sharaa visited the historic Umayyad Mosque, proclaiming Assad's defeat as "a victory for the Islamic nation." Senior commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state television, stating, "Our message to all the sects of Syria, is that we tell them that Syria is for everyone."

Syria Civil War Live: Saudi crown prince breaks silence in Assad’s fall, issues stark warning on Syria’s stability - video

Syria Civil War Live: Nations urge stability, peace as Syria rebels oust Assad

World powers have pledged to work towards stability in Syria and its surrounding region after Islamist-led rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad, the country’s longtime ruler, on Sunday. Here are key international reactions:

Russia: Moscow, an ally of Assad, placed its troops in Syria on high alert but assured that the security of Russian military bases had been guaranteed by the rebels. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, had earlier warned that Syria should not fall into the hands of "terrorist groups."

USA: President Joe Biden called for a transition to a "sovereign" Syria, stating that Assad should be held accountable for his actions.

China: Beijing expressed hope for Syria’s quick return to stability.

Iran: Iran emphasised continued "friendly relations" with Syria and would adjust its approach based on developments in Damascus.

Turkey: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pledged to help "heal Syria’s wounds" and ensure its unity.

UN: Special envoy Geir Pedersen spoke of "cautious hope" for peace and reconciliation.

France: President Macron celebrated the fall of Assad’s "barbaric state," commending the courage of the Syrian people.

Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Assad’s brutal regime and offered support for a political solution.

UK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a peaceful Syria and the protection of civilians.

Israel: Netanyahu viewed Assad’s fall as a blow to Iran's influence in the region.

US military conducted airstrikes against ISIL targets across Syria on Sunday, engaging over 75 key positions. The mission deployed various aircraft from the United States Air Force inventory.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement explaining that these strikes were executed as part of their continuing efforts to disrupt, weaken, and prevent Isis from conducting 'external operations.'

Syria Civil War Live: Syria Islamist rebel chief hails 'victory', at landmark Damascus mosque

The leader of Syria's rebel forces delivered a victory address from Damascus's prominent mosque, following his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group's swift offensive that wrested control of the capital from the government in under two weeks. The development coincided with President Bashar al-Assad's departure to Moscow, as reported by Russian media, sparking celebrations throughout Syria as his authoritarian regime came to an end.

Speaking at the Umayyad Mosque, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, 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.

Video footage circulating online showed crowds greeting his mosque entrance with cheers and chants of "Allahu akbar (God is greatest)".

HTS originated from Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate but severed its connections in 2016.

Despite being designated as a terrorist organisation by Western nations, HTS has attempted to present a more moderate image in recent years.

Syria Civil War Live: With Assad ousted, a new era starts in Syria as the world watches

On Monday, Syrians woke up to face an uncertain yet promising future following the rebels' capture of Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad's escape to Russia, concluding a 13-year civil conflict and his family's oppressive rule spanning over five decades.

The swift conquest by a militia coalition led by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously linked to al-Qaeda, represented a significant shift in Middle Eastern politics. Assad's departure eliminated a stronghold through which Iran and Russia wielded power throughout the Arab region.

According to Russian media outlets and confirmation from Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador to international organisations in Vienna via his Telegram channel on Sunday, Russia granted asylum to Assad and his family members.
Global governments expressed approval of the end of the Assads' authoritarian leadership whilst evaluating the implications for a transformed Middle East.

American President Joe Biden noted that Syria faces a period of vulnerability and uncertainty, highlighting that for the first time in years, neither Russia, Iran, nor the Hezbollah militant group maintains significant influence in the country.

Despite HTS's ongoing classification as a terrorist organisation by the United States, Turkey and the United Nations, the group has made sustained efforts to reform its public image to gain acceptance from international governments and Syrian minority communities. (Reuters)

'Hopes for peaceful power transition reflecting aspirations of Syrians,' says Taliban

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has extended congratulations to the Hayat Tahrir as-Sham (HTS) leadership in Syria following their successful overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's government, whilst expressing their desire for stability and unity in the nation.

On Sunday, Afghanistan issued a statement voicing their support for a peaceful transition towards an Islamic government that would represent Syrian people's wishes.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) congratulates the leadership of Hayat Tahrir as-Sham (HTS) movement and the people of Syria on the recent advancements resulting in the removal of factor of conflict and instability, and the fall of the capital Damascus to the people of Syria under the leadership of HTS. We express hope that the remaining phases of the revolution will be managed in a way that secures a peaceful, unified and stable system," stated Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"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.

The Afghanistan MOFA called upon international participants to assist Syria's progression towards effective governance.

It stated, "Moreover, IEA-MOFA calls on all foreign actors involved in Syria to adopt policies of positive engagement & cooperation, both with each other and with the new leadership, that enables Syria to embark on a path towards good governance, security and stability."

Syria Civil War Live: UN Security Council to meet Monday on Syria: diplomatic sources

The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an urgent private session for Monday afternoon to address the Syrian situation following President Bashar al-Assad's departure from the nation, according to several diplomatic officials who spoke to AFP on Sunday.

Russia initiated the request for this gathering, which is slated to begin at 3.00 pm (2000 GMT) on the specified day.

Syria Civil War Live: Syrians rejoice as Assad flees, ending brutal reign

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country on Sunday as Islamist-led rebels seized Damascus, marking the end of his oppressive regime. Celebrations erupted across Syria, with crowds declaring the city free and toppling statues of Assad's father. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), celebrated the collapse of Assad's rule after more than 50 years of Baath Party governance. Assad and his family sought asylum in Moscow, granted on humanitarian grounds. The U.S. and other international bodies, including Amnesty, called for accountability for the atrocities committed under Assad's regime. Despite the victory, Syria faces a period of uncertainty, with challenges ahead for rebuilding the country.

US to work with partners in Syria to manage risk after Assad toppled, Biden says

President Joe Biden stated that the U.S. will work with partners in Syria to manage the opportunities and risks following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the first time in years that Assad's key backers—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—have lost influence in Syria. Biden highlighted that Syria now faces uncertainty, and the US will help Syrians navigate the transition, while ensuring the safety of chemical weapons stockpiles. The U.S. will maintain its 900 troops in eastern Syria to counter ISIS.

Monitor says Israel hit arms depots in Syria's east

Israeli forces conducted aerial attacks on ammunition storage facilities in eastern Syria on Sunday, according to a monitoring organisation, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's administration earlier that day.

"Israel has conducted air strikes on weapon depots and positions that belonged to the defunct regime and Iran-backed groups in the eastern Deir Ezzor province," Rami Abdel Rahman who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP. The organisation's chief noted an uptick in Israeli military operations targeting such installations since President Bashar al-Assad's departure from the country amidst rebel forces taking control of the capital.

'Fundamental act of justice': US President Joe Biden on fall of Assad government in Syria

US President Biden declared the Assad regime's collapse in Syria a "fundamental act of justice" but acknowledged the risks. While crediting US efforts, he expressed concern over the rebel group's past, confirming continued US troop presence to combat ISIS and pursue the return of journalist Austin Tice. Read full story

Turkey sniffs opportunity in post-Assad Syria

With the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey stands to gain significant regional influence as a major backer of the rebels who ended Assad's decades-long rule. Experts view Turkey as a key player in the aftermath, with responsibility to help manage Syria's transition. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed Turkey's readiness to ensure security and facilitate Syria's recovery. Additionally, the potential return of three million Syrian refugees, currently residing in Turkey, could bolster support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, despite growing anti-Syrian sentiment in the country.

Syria Civil War Live: In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, residents celebrate fall of Assad

Residents of Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, celebrated the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday, believing it would bring peace to the region, including with Israel. Despite Israeli tanks deployed along the border for security, the mood was jubilant, with residents expressing hope for a free Syria and an end to the wars. Many in the Druze community, who have family in Syria, felt emotional about the change, with some hopeful it would break down regional barriers and allow for closer ties. They also voiced discontent with Assad’s failure to reclaim the Golan Heights, which remains under Israeli control.

Biden says the US believes journalist Austin Tice is alive after disappearing in Syria in 2012

President Joe Biden stated Sunday that the US believes missing journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared near Damascus in 2012, is alive and remains committed to bringing him home following Bashar Assad's ouster. While no direct evidence confirms Tice's status, Biden emphasized ongoing efforts to locate him. Tice’s mother, Debra, recently affirmed receiving credible information that her son is alive and well. The Tice family continues to work with US officials to secure his return, urging those in Syria to assist in reuniting him with his family.

US Central Command says its forces struck over 75 Islamic State targets in central Syria.

It added that it will not allow Islamic State to take advantage of the current situation in Syria.