VIDEO: Syrian Rebels Destroy Former President Hafez al-Assad’s Tomb as Assad Family Rule Ends

 

In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebel fighters have destroyed the tomb of former president Hafez al-Assad, marking the symbolic end of the Assad family’s 54-year reign. The mausoleum, located in Qardaha, the family’s hometown in Latakia province, was set ablaze by armed rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Videos circulating online on Wednesday show HTS fighters chanting as flames consumed the site. The offensive by HTS and allied factions has swept through Syria, culminating in the capture of Damascus and forcing ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his family to flee to Russia, where they have been granted asylum.

Across Syria, statues and portraits of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad have been toppled as citizens celebrate the collapse of the authoritarian regime. The end of Assad’s rule has drawn mixed international reactions. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the fall on U.S. and Israeli interference, as well as an unnamed neighboring state.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now publicly using his birth name Ahmed al-Sharaa, has vowed to honor Syria’s cultural and religious diversity. In a bid to ensure stability, a transitional government led by Mohammed al-Bashir has been established and is expected to hold power until March 2025. Efforts to transfer authority from Assad’s administration to the new leadership are underway.

In Qardaha, HTS leaders have engaged with local elders, emphasizing unity and mutual support. However, concerns persist among members of the Alawite minority, who were closely tied to the Assad regime and fear potential retribution.

Meanwhile, life in Damascus is beginning to normalize after years of brutal conflict. Residents report a newfound sense of freedom, with shops reopening and markets bustling.

Internationally, reactions remain cautious. Israel has escalated strikes on Syrian military targets, citing concerns about emerging threats. The U.S. has extended conditional support to Syria’s new leadership, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and protections for minorities.

This moment marks a pivotal chapter in Syria’s history as the nation begins to rebuild after decades of authoritarian rule and civil war.

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