US President Biden calls fall of Assad regime a ‘historic opportunity’ for Syria

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 for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a brighter future.”

Biden acknowledged the challenges ahead, highlighting the collapse of support for Assad from allies such as Hezbollah, Iran, and Russia in recent weeks. He also noted the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in the Syrian opposition, a group previously linked to al-Qaida but claiming to have severed ties with the organisation.

Outlining the US response, Biden stated, “The United States will take the following steps: First, we will support Syria’s neighbours, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel, to address any potential threats arising from Syria during this transitional period. Second, we will ensure stability in eastern Syria, protecting our personnel and maintaining the mission against ISIS, including securing detention facilities holding ISIS fighters.”

Biden emphasised the risk of ISIS exploiting the power vacuum, noting, “Today, US forces conducted a dozen precision airstrikes targeting ISIS camps and operatives. We will not allow ISIS to reconstitute 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, former President Donald Trump argued against US involvement, declaring on Truth Social, “Syria is a mess and not our friend. The US should have nothing to do with it. This is not your fight.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated American support for a peaceful transition, stating, “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, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin urged Syrian opposition groups to protect civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, during discussions with Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler. He affirmed that US forces would continue targeting ISIS to prevent its resurgence, with over 75 targets struck in a recent operation using assets such as B-52 bombers and F-15 fighter jets.

(with inputs from PTI)

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