Russia Calls For Emergency UNSC Meeting Amid Syria Crisis After Assad’s Ousting

In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels, led by the powerful insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control of Damascus on Sunday, marking the end of a 50-year rule by the Assad family and the 24-year presidency of Bashar al-Assad. The fall of the capital led to widespread celebrations across Syria and among Syrian communities abroad, particularly in the United States.

Photo Credit: PTI

Assad Flees to Moscow; Rebels Celebrate Victory

As the rebels advanced into Damascus, the whereabouts of President Assad remained unknown until senior Syrian military officials confirmed that he had fled the country. Assad is believed to have taken a plane and sought refuge in Russia, where he has been granted asylum for "humanitarian reasons," according to Russian media. This marks the end of his oppressive rule, which had lasted for over two decades, despite the backing he received from Russia and Iran.

In a victory speech, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani declared the fall of the Assad regime as a historic turning point, stating, "Syria is ours, not the Assad family's." Celebratory chants echoed across the capital, with Syrians calling this the beginning of a new era for their country.

Prime Minister's Cooperation and Transition Plans

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed his willingness to cooperate with the rebel leadership, ensuring a peaceful transition of power. However, HTS chief al-Julani ordered that public institutions remain under the control of the prime minister until the formal handover is completed.

The collapse of Assad's government follows a rapid offensive that began on November 27. Rebels took control of several key cities, including Aleppo, Daraa, and Homs, before advancing into Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the offensive has resulted in at least 910 deaths, including civilians, Syrian troops, and rebels.

Global Reactions and Calls for Stability

World leaders reacted swiftly to the news of Assad's ousting. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it "good news" and stressed the need for law and order to be restored in Syria. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed similar sentiments, welcoming the end of Assad's "barbaric regime" and urging protection for civilians and minorities.

In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump maintained that Syria was not America's fight, while President Joe Biden described the fall of Assad as a "fundamental act of justice" and a historic opportunity for Syrians to rebuild their nation. Biden also acknowledged the risks and uncertainty following Assad's exit but pledged US support to stabilize the country.

Russia Requests Emergency UNSC Meeting

Following the upheaval in Syria, Russia has requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to discuss the situation. The UNSC is expected to meet on Monday afternoon in a closed-door session to deliberate on the implications of Assad's ousting and the future of Syria.

This pivotal moment in Syria's long-running civil war has raised hopes for a new chapter in the country's history, although the path to peace and stability remains uncertain. The international community will closely monitor the situation, with a focus on ensuring the protection of civilians and facilitating a peaceful transition.