International

Syrian Rebels Set Tomb Of Assad’s Father On Fire

Published

9 hours ago

Dec 11, 2024.

Dennis

Syrian rebel forces have destroyed the tomb of former president Hafez al-Assad, father of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, in their hometown of Qardaha.

The move follows a swift and decisive offensive led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which toppled the Assad dynasty’s 54-year rule.

Verified videos show armed rebels chanting as they set fire to the mausoleum in the north-western Latakia region, a stronghold of the Assad family’s Alawite sect.

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Statues and portraits of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad have been torn down across Syria amid widespread celebrations of their regime’s fall.

Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Russia, where he and his family have been granted asylum. His ousting marks the end of a regime infamous for its brutal suppression of dissent, including the 2011 crackdown on pro-democracy protests that escalated into a civil war claiming over 500,000 lives and displacing 12 million people.

Hafez al-Assad ruled Syria with an iron grip from 1971 until his death in 2000, handing power to his son.

The family, rooted in the Alawite sect—a Shia Islam offshoot and religious minority—maintained strong support among Alawites, who make up about 10% of Syria’s population. Some Alawites now fear retribution from the victorious rebels.

On Monday, a rebel delegation, including members of HTS and the Free Syrian Army, met with Qardaha elders, securing their support.

The groups signed a document reaffirming Syria’s commitment to religious and cultural diversity, according to Reuters.

HTS and allied factions seized control of Damascus on Sunday, completing their victory after years of conflict.

HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) has pledged tolerance and inclusivity, distancing himself from his jihadist past.