In a historic turn of events, Syria’s former prime minister, Bashar al-Assad, has agreed to step down and hand over power to rebel forces, as reported by Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, the outgoing prime minister.
The announcement was made on Al Arabiya TV, confirming a shift in the political landscape that has captivated the attention of the world.
The decision follows a meeting between Assad’s outgoing prime minister and leaders of the Syrian rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The rebel delegation, led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, met with Ghazi al-Jalali in Damascus to discuss a coordinated and peaceful transition of power.
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In a video shared by the rebels on Monday, al-Jolani and his counterpart, Mohammad al-Bashir, who previously served as prime minister in the rebel-held Idlib region, discussed how to ensure the delivery of vital services to Syrians amidst the transition.
The former prime minister, Ghazi al-Jalali, expressed his commitment to facilitating a smooth handover, stressing the importance of preserving state facilities and maintaining order during the transfer.
He pledged cooperation with the rebels, underscoring that the goal was to support the needs of the Syrian people during this uncertain time.
In the video, al-Jolani praised the capabilities of the incoming leadership, pointing to their success in the rebel-held Idlib region.
“The guys now have a very good experience, they started working from nothing,” he said, highlighting the team’s ability to manage under difficult conditions.
Meanwhile, Israel carried out airstrikes on Syria’s chemical weapons facilities, and the US military targeted over 75 ISIS positions to prevent further destabilization.
Assad’s abrupt departure has been celebrated by Syrians, with jubilant scenes in Damascus showing rebels and civilians celebrating the fall of the Assad regime.
Videos of Assad’s lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars and mansions, emerged, fueling the sense of victory among Syrians.