Outgoing US President Joe Biden described the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime as a “historic opportunity” for the Syrian people after decades of authoritarian rule and 13 years of civil war.
Biden’s comments came shortly after Syrian rebel forces took control of the country, forcing Assad to resign and reportedly flee to Moscow.
Speaking at the White House, Biden said, “After more than half a century of brutal rule by Bashar Assad and his father, the Assad regime has finally fallen. This marks a fundamental act of justice and a historic opportunity to build a brighter future for the long-suffering people of Syria.”
Biden acknowledged the challenges ahead, highlighting the erosion of Assad’s support from allies such as Hezbollah, Iran and Russia in recent weeks. He also noted the leadership of the Syrian opposition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly linked to al-Qaeda but claiming to have severed ties with the organization.
Outlining the U.S. response, Biden said, “The United States will take the following steps: First, we will take steps to address potential threats emanating from Syria during this transitional period, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel. Second, we will ensure stability in eastern Syria, protect our personnel and sustain the mission against ISIS, including securing detention facilities for ISIS fighters. will do
Biden emphasized the risk of ISIS exploiting the power vacuum, noting, “Today, U.S. forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting ISIS camps and operatives. We will not allow ISIS to regroup its capabilities.”
The president also pledged to engage with Syrian groups and support UN-led efforts to transition Syria to a sovereign, inclusive government. “This process will be determined by the Syrian people themselves,” he said.
In contrast, Ex President Donald Trump Arguing against US involvement, declaring on Truth Social, “Syria is a mess and not our friend. America should have nothing to do with it. This is not your fight.”
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reiterated US support for a peaceful transition, saying, “We will work with international partners to hold the Assad regime accountable for atrocities and abuses, including the use of chemical weapons and the detention of civilians like Austin Tice.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in discussions with Turkish Defense Minister Yasser Guler, urged Syrian opposition groups to protect civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities. He confirmed that US forces will continue to target ISIS to prevent its resurgence, using assets such as B-52 bombers and F-15 fighter jets, hitting more than 75 targets in recent operations.
(With information from PTI)