Latest Developments in Syria Following the Fall of Bashar al-Assad
In the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s recent ousting, Syria faces significant turmoil marked by military operations and societal unrest. On Wednesday, the Turkish defense ministry reported that it had killed 21 Kurdish militants—20 from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and one from the Syrian Kurdish YPG—in northern Syria and Iraq. The ministry emphasized its commitment to continue operations against these groups, which it considers terrorist organizations linked to the PKK, a group involved in a decades-long insurgency against Turkey.
The backdrop of these military actions is a deteriorating security situation in Syria, exacerbated by ongoing hostilities between Turkey-backed factions and the YPG. Following Assad’s fall, Turkey has intensified calls for the YPG’s disbandment, asserting that it has no future role in Syria.
Syria’s reconstruction is projected to cost up to $400 billion, following extensive damage from the 13-year civil war and the oppressive policies of the Baath regime, which displaced 6 million people abroad and 7 million internally. Experts indicate that the housing sector could contribute 60% of the required funding.
The ongoing sanctions imposed by the US and EU are major obstacles to development, with calls for their removal contingent upon specific conditions being met. Key figures like Neil Quilliam from Chatham House stress the importance of establishing security and international support, while Julien Barnes-Dacey of the ECFR advocates for political engagement and economic partnerships.
The UN Development Program reports a staggering 65% poverty rate in Syria, with nearly 2 million houses destroyed or damaged. Rebuilding institutions is deemed critical for the country’s recovery and long-term stability.
In another significant development the Syrian administration announced that all Syrian armed factions have agreed to disband and integrate into one national army, under the new Ministry of Defence.
This comes as the administration faces internal challenges, including a recent ambush that killed 14 police officers, attributed to remnants of Assad’s regime. This incident has prompted the interior minister to vow a crackdown on threats to national security. Protests have erupted in response to sectarian tensions, particularly following the release of a video showing vandalism of an Alawite shrine, leading to curfews in multiple cities.
The Syrian military administration has announced a security operation in Tartous province aimed at consolidating authority and addressing remnants of the former regime. As the new leadership seeks to stabilize the country, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, necessitating both domestic and international efforts for a comprehensive recovery.
Despite all, the blessed shrines of Sayyidah Zeinab and Sayyidah Ruqayya, peace be upon them both, are safe and secured an open to devoted pilgrims. Efforts are underway to ensure that the martyrdom anniversary of Sayyida Zainab, peace be upon her, will be held appropriately in the middle of the blessed month of Rajab.
