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Syrian rebel fighters, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have dealt a symbolic blow to the Assad dynasty by destroying the tomb of late President Hafez al-Assad in his hometown of Qardaha. The destruction, captured on video and verified by the BBC, marks a dramatic end to the Assad family’s 54-year rule in Syria. The HTS-led rebels, in a swift offensive, have toppled the Assad regime, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, where he and his family have been granted asylum. As news of the regime’s collapse spread, Syrians took to the streets, celebrating by pulling down statues and posters of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad.
The Assad family’s rule was characterized by brutality and repression. Hafez al-Assad, who ruled from 1971 until his death in 2000, was known for his ruthless suppression of dissent. His son Bashar, who succeeded him, responded to a peaceful pro-democracy uprising in 2011 with brutal force, sparking a devastating civil war that has claimed over half a million lives and displaced 12 million Syrians.
The HTS, led by Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has promised tolerance for different religious groups and communities. However, the victory has sparked fear among Alawites, who constitute about 10% of Syria’s population and were staunch supporters of the Assads. They now worry about potential targeting by the victorious rebels.
As the rebels consolidate their control over Syria, they face the daunting task of rebuilding the country and establishing a stable government. The UN envoy for Syria has urged the rebels to translate their “good messages” into practical action on the ground, while the US secretary of state has pledged support for a future Syrian government that emerges from a credible and inclusive process.
