Extremist militants ride past an overturned Syrian army tank on fire. Photo: Ghaith Alsayed/AP.
(OrinocoTribune.com)—The prime minister of Syria, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, confirmed the fall of the government of President Bashar al-Assad and stated that he “is ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.”
In a speech broadcast on social media early on Sunday, December 8, al-Jalali expressed that he is prepared to undertake a “peaceful handover process,” after militants led by the Turkish-backed terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) entered the capital, Damascus, in the early hours of that morning.
Al-Jalali stressed that he will not leave his home until a “peaceful transition” is achieved and the safety of Syrian public institutions is guaranteed, and added that “most of the ministers are in Damascus.”
He urged all parties to think “rationally,” emphasizing that he “extends his hand” in cooperation to everyone, including members of the opposition.
The prime minister further reported that he had been able to communicate with the leader of HTS, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, “and we agreed on the importance of preserving the institutions.”
On Saturday night, the Syrian Arab Army withdrew from the city of Homs, and the militants took over the city and other towns in western Syria. According to local media, almost no clashes were recorded before and during the withdrawal of the official Syrian forces and the eventual terrorist takeover of the Syrian towns.
British mainstream media outlet Reuters reported, citing two senior Syrian military officials, that al-Assad left Damascus for an unknown location, although no official confirmation has been made in this regard.
Opposition armed groups enter Bashar al-Assad’s presidential palace in Damascus.
Follow us on Telegram: https://t.co/0EMmcJs6DL pic.twitter.com/jmnjEYGIIl
— PressTV Extra (@PresstvExtra) December 8, 2024
Meanwhile, after entering Damascus, the extremist groups announced the takeover of public radio and television stations as well as several institutions.
In a video statement aired on state television, HTS, which referred to itself the Syrian National Transitional Council, announced the toppling of the Assad government and the release of all prisoners.
It further vowed to “preserve the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory, … protect all citizens and their property, regardless of their affiliations,” and “achieve comprehensive national reconciliation.”
Militants in Syria announce fall of Assad on state TV pic.twitter.com/NoTmcd8olK
— PressTV Extra (@PresstvExtra) December 8, 2024
The onslaught on Syrian cities and towns, led by HTS and various groups of Turkish backed terrorists, began on November 27, targeting the city of Aleppo in the north. Later, they took over the city of Hama and then Homs, before moving towards Damascus.
The fall of the Syrian government is also expected to deal a severe blow to the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance, as it was the only Arab state in the region that provided moral and material support to the resistance against Zionism.
Zionist media reported that for the first time since the six-day war, “Israeli” occupation forces are present behind “enemy lines” on three border frontlines: Gaza, South Lebanon, and Syria.
Speaking of the latter, “Israeli” media reported that the occupation is preparing for a long war with Syria, aiming to occupy and “annex” large parts of Syrian territory. Similarly, Netanyahu has announced the collapse of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and “Israel” regarding the Golan Heights.
The zionist entity has entered 14 km inside Syria from the Golan buffer zone. The IOF spokesman issued warnings to residents in several Syrian villages near the occupied Golan, instructing them to remain indoors. The Syrian Arab Army’s main base on Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) is now controlled by the occupation forces, following the SAA’s withdrawal.
Damascus has been targeted by dozens of occupation airstrikes in recent hours, aimed at destroying Mezzeh Military Airport, customs and intelligence buildings, scientific research facilities, and defense laboratories. Syria’s air defense systems have been rendered inoperable, leaving the nation vulnerable to Zionist airstrikes.
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
OT/SC/SA
