Background: The militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declared the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad after more than 13 years of civil war in Syria.
Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations)
- HTS Seizes Control: HTS took control of Damascus, ending Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Assad and his family reportedly fled to Moscow.
- Impact on Regional Influence: The fall of Assad deals a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran in Syria, as they were key allies supporting his regime.
- Public Reaction: Syrians expressed joy at the end of Assad’s iron-fisted rule. Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has called for free elections.
- HTS’s Role and History: HTS has been a significant player in the Syrian conflict, transitioning from its origins as a part of al-Qaeda to an independent militant group.
- Indian Embassy in Damascus: The Indian embassy remains operational and in contact with Indian nationals in Syria, ensuring their safety amidst the turmoil.
