Is Assad missing? Rumors swirl…
President-elect Donald Trump has issued a strongly worded statement on Truth Social, urging the United States to avoid involvement in the intensifying conflict in Syria. His post follows major advances by opposition forces against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
“The United States should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved!” Trump wrote, emphasizing his position against U.S. intervention.
In his post, Trump detailed recent developments, noting that Syrian opposition fighters had launched a coordinated offensive, capturing several cities and nearing Damascus. “Opposition fighters in Syria…are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad,” he stated.
Trump also pointed to Russia’s diminished ability to respond, citing its significant losses in Ukraine. “Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years,” he said.
The president-elect’s comments criticized previous U.S. actions, referencing the “red line” declared by former President Barack Obama, which Trump described as a pivotal moment leading to Russia’s intervention in Syria. He asserted that Russia’s involvement in the region has ultimately been a strategic blunder: “There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid.”
Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad. Russia, because they are so tied up…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2024
Assad’s Position Deteriorates Amidst Regional Abandonment
Trump’s remarks align with reports of a rapid decline in Assad’s hold on power. Al-Qaeda-linked Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants have advanced near Homs, with the city on the brink of falling. This would isolate Syrian forces in Tartus and Latakia from the rest of the country. HTS is now advancing into the suburbs of Damascus. Simultaneously, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) has captured over 75% of Daraa Governorate in less than 48 hours.
A Convoy of Rebel Military Vehicles at the Malouk Checkpoint to the North of Homs earlier today, as Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its Allies continue to push into the City. pic.twitter.com/3OpP6bBw67
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) December 7, 2024
The Assad regime is increasingly isolated. Syrian First Lady Asma al-Assad and the couple’s children fled to Russia, while other family members have sought refuge in the United Arab Emirates. Assad himself has sought support from neighboring nations, including Turkey, Egypt and Jordan, but has been rebuffed. Efforts to secure intelligence and military aid from Iraq and the UAE have similarly failed.
Moscow’s disengagement was further underscored by reports that the last Russian naval ships departed their base in Tartus on Friday, marking the end of Russia’s longstanding presence there.
Uncertainty as Assad Remains Silent
Syrian state media had announced that Assad would address the nation on Saturday evening, but he failed to appear, raising questions about his whereabouts and control over the crumbling regime.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 7, 2024
Assad is missing pic.twitter.com/Lg2UVhH1Js
Despite that, reports indicate that Assad may still be in Damascus despite intensifying rebel advances.
Meanwhile, both Egyptian and Jordanian officials have reportedly encouraged Assad to leave the country and establish a government in exile.
As rebel forces gain momentum, the list of regional actors willing to support Assad’s regime continues to dwindle, signaling a potential endgame in the conflict. Trump’s call for U.S. non-involvement reflects a broader sentiment in the United States to avoid another costly foreign entanglement in a morally ambiguous crisis.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates.
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