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Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani confirmed that their forces had entered the final phase of encircling Damascus, signalling an imminent challenge to Assad’s control
Donald Trump said that the United States should not get involved in the situation in Syria. (AP photos)
US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday said that the United States should stay out of Syria, calling it a “mess” and adding that the removal of President Bashar al-Assad could be “the best thing that can happen” to the country.
Trump’s comments came as fast-moving rebel forces in Syria claimed they had begun encircling the capital, Damascus. The rebel groups, led by the Islamist coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have intensified their offensive, posing the most significant challenge to Assad’s regime in years.
‘Not Our Fight’: Trump
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the US should have “nothing to do with it” and called for the situation to “let it play out.”
“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!” Trump wrote.
The US President-elect further stated that, with Russia—an ally of Assad—occupied with its war in Ukraine, it “seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.”
‘Damascus Awaits’
Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani confirmed that their forces had entered the final phase of encircling Damascus, signalling an imminent challenge to Assad’s control. Earlier reports indicated the rebels had taken control of the Saasaa security branch, located in the Damascus countryside.
“Damascus awaits you,” declared HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in a message to his fighters, shared via Telegram. The use of his real name, rather than his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, was seen as a call for unity and focus within the ranks.
‘No truth to news’
Despite the claims made by the rebels, Syria’s defence ministry has strongly denied the accusations of withdrawal, insisting that government forces remain in all areas surrounding the capital. “There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn,” the ministry stated.
However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that government forces had been retreating from towns located as little as 10 kilometres from Damascus, confirming the rebels’ territorial gains.
Airstrikes Kills 7 Civilian
The Syrian government has responded to the advancing rebels with airstrikes and shelling, including in the Homs region. The airstrikes have led to civilian casualties, with at least seven people killed, according to the Observatory. As the rebels close in on key cities, the Syrian government is deploying large reinforcements in an attempt to halt the rebels’ momentum.
Hezbollah Sends Fighters
In a sign of escalating external support for Assad’s forces, Lebanon’s Hezbollah has sent 2,000 fighters to Syria’s Qusayr area, near the Lebanese border. A source close to the group confirmed the deployment but stated that Hezbollah fighters have yet to engage directly in combat. The fighters are positioned to defend Hezbollah’s interests along the Syria-Lebanon border.
Syrian Troops Flee To Iraq
In another development, hundreds of Syrian soldiers, some of them wounded, have reportedly fled to Iraq. Security sources confirmed that the soldiers crossed the border into Iraq with permission, following intense pressure from the advancing rebel forces. Estimates suggest that approximately 2,000 soldiers, including officers, have sought refuge in Iraq.
Russia’s Stand On Syria
Russia, a key ally of the Syrian regime, has expressed concern over the rebel offensive. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Syria should not fall into the hands of what he referred to as “terrorist” groups.
“It’s inadmissible to allow the terrorist group to take control of the lands in violation of agreements which exist, starting with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 which strongly reiterated sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Syrian Arab Republic,” Lavrov made the comment at an event in Qatar, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a political settlement in Syria.
Qatar Criticises Assad’s Approach
At the Doha Forum, Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani criticised Assad for failing to engage with his people during the relative calm of the past few years. He pointed out that Assad had missed opportunities to address important issues, such as the return of refugees and national reconciliation.
Doha had given early support to the rebels in the wake of Assad’s crackdown in 2011.
Iran, Turkey And Russia Push For Dialogue
In a bid to seek a political resolution to the ongoing conflict, Iran, Turkey, and Russia, who have been involved in peace talks since 2017, announced a new push for dialogue. The three countries met in Doha to discuss ways to initiate talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups.
Additionally, Russia and Turkey had brokered a 2020 ceasefire in Syria’s northwestern Idlib region, which was the last major rebel stronghold in the country at the time.
(With inputs from AFP)
