Syrian Rebels Destroy Mausoleum of Hafez al-Assad in Historic Shift
Syrian rebel forces have reportedly destroyed the mausoleum of Hafez al-Assad, the father of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, marking a symbolic end to the Assad family’s decades-long dominance over Syria. Videos verified by the BBC showed armed fighters chanting and celebrating around the burning tomb in Qardaha, the Assads’ hometown in the coastal Latakia region.
This dramatic development follows a swift offensive by rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which toppled the Assad regime after 54 years in power. Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia, where he and his family have been granted asylum. Across Syria, statues and portraits of both Hafez and Bashar al-Assad have been torn down as jubilant Syrians celebrate the fall of their autocratic rule.
Key Developments in Syria
Iranian Reaction: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the U.S., Israel, and a “neighboring state” of orchestrating the downfall of the Assad regime.
Israeli Strikes: Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Syria’s military infrastructure, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reporting over 350 strikes in recent days. Israel’s government stated it aims to prevent any new rulers in Syria from threatening its security. Meanwhile, Arab nations have condemned the attacks.
Rebel Gains: Syrian rebels announced the capture of the oil-rich city of Deir al-Zour from Kurdish forces, further consolidating their control.
A Civil War’s Bitter Legacy
The Assads’ reign began in 1971 with Hafez al-Assad, whose iron-fisted rule continued until his death in 2000, when power passed to his son Bashar. The younger Assad’s brutal crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011 spiraled into a devastating civil war that killed over 500,000 people and displaced 12 million.
The Assads, members of the Alawite sect—a minority offshoot of Shia Islam—built a power base among Alawites in Latakia. Many Alawites fear reprisals under the new rebel leadership. However, in a gesture of reconciliation, HTS and Sunni-dominated Free Syrian Army (FSA) leaders met with elders in Qardaha, securing their backing. A signed agreement reportedly highlighted the importance of preserving Syria’s religious and cultural diversity.
Transition and Hope
HTS and its allies captured Damascus on Sunday, signaling the war’s end. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now using his birth name Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledged to protect Syria’s diverse communities. He emphasized tolerance, breaking away from his earlier associations with al-Qaeda.
HTS has appointed Mohammed al-Bashir, former head of the rebel administration in the northwest, as leader of a transitional government. In a meeting with former Assad regime officials, al-Bashir called for calm and stability, promising a fresh start for Syrians.
Signs of Revival in Damascus
Damascus is showing signs of renewal. Markets and shops are reopening, and residents are cautiously optimistic. Joud Insani, who runs a chocolate shop in the capital, said she no longer feels fear while serving customers. “Before, we were always on edge because officials loyal to the regime dominated everything. Now, it’s different,” she shared.
In the Joubar neighborhood, families are returning to inspect what remains of their homes. Monawwar al Qahef and her husband, Muhammad, revisited their property for the first time in over a decade. “Our house is gone, just rubble now,” Muhammad said, fighting tears. “It feels like a part of me has been shattered.”
Looking Ahead
International reactions remain mixed. The U.S. has offered support for a future Syrian government formed through an inclusive process. Meanwhile, the United Nations has urged the rebels to turn their conciliatory rhetoric into action.
As Syria transitions into this new chapter, many hope the end of the Assad era will bring peace and the chance to rebuild lives torn apart by war. For now, the country’s streets echo with celebrations, marking the dawn of a long-awaited change.
