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President Joe Biden on Sunday described the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a “fundamental act of justice” but cautioned about “risks and uncertainties” in the wake of his regime’s sudden collapse.
Rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of Damascus after years of civil war, toppling the decades-long Assad family reign.
Speaking from the White House, Biden said, “Assad’s departure is a pivotal moment after years of oppression. Yet, this marks a fragile chapter for Syria and the broader Middle East.”
Assad’s whereabouts remain unclear, with Russian state media reporting he fled to Moscow and received asylum from his long-time ally.
U.S. Military Operations Amidst the Upheaval
Biden emphasized that the U.S. would maintain its 900 troops in northern Syria, focusing on combating Islamic State (IS) remnants. He confirmed a series of U.S. airstrikes on IS targets, hitting over 75 positions.
“ISIS may see this as an opportunity to reestablish itself,” Biden warned. “We will not allow that to happen.”
However, President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his opposition to U.S. intervention in Syria’s conflict, writing on his social media platform, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” Vice President-elect JD Vance echoed skepticism about the rebel forces, referring to HTS’s origins as an offshoot of Al-Qaeda.
Complex Regional Implications
The Assad regime’s fall has sent ripples across the region. The Israel Defense Forces increased security near the Golan Heights but stated they would not interfere. Meanwhile, heightened tensions persist as Israel navigates a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah amid its broader conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Biden linked Assad’s collapse to weakened support from Russia and Iran, both distracted by economic strain and the war in Ukraine. Trump also tied the Syrian upheaval to Russia’s waning influence, calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine and suggesting Moscow had “lost interest in Syria.”
Ongoing Concerns About Rebel Leadership
While Biden acknowledged HTS’s role in toppling Assad, he noted the group’s troubling history and designation as a terrorist organization. “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses,” Biden said.
Senior administration officials also raised concerns about securing Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles, previously controlled by Assad’s regime.
Austin Tice’s Family Seeks Answers
The collapse of Assad’s government has renewed calls for the return of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in 2012 near Damascus.
“We remain committed to bringing Austin home,” Biden said, urging anyone with information to assist in locating him.
The president closed by reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to justice and stability, noting, “Assad’s regime committed horrific crimes, and while his fall brings hope, it also demands vigilance to secure a better future for Syria.”
