Syrian opposition celebrates victory as Assad's era ends
The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime is stirring significant emotions not only within Syria but also in countries with large Syrian communities. In Athens, opponents of the dictator stormed the embassy grounds, hanging the Syrian opposition flag on the balcony. They also removed the picture of the ousted tyrant.
The attack on the Syrian embassy in Athens by Bashar al-Assad's opponents was reported by the eKathimerini service. The group consisted of three or four individuals. Two of them voluntarily left the premises before police intervention, while the others were detained inside the embassy building.
Emotions run high in Athens as Assad's opponents enter the embassy
The joy of the Syrian dictator's opponents is tied to the rebels' announcement of liberating Damascus on Sunday. Al-Assad's rule ended after 24 years.
As of now, the fate of al-Assad remains unknown. Reuters reported that the Syrian dictator might have died in a plane crash, citing two Syrian sources. One source suggested that the rebels may have shot down the aircraft.
Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Gazi al-Jalali stated that Bashar al-Assad and Defense Minister Ali Mahmud Abbas's whereabouts have been unknown since Saturday evening.
The event could have significant implications for the region's geopolitics, particularly concerning countries like Russia and Iran, which have supported al-Assad's regime for many years. Changes in Syria might also affect the power balance in the Middle East. The rebellion forcing the dictator to flee to an unknown location led to the release of political prisoners, symbolizing an end to his tyranny.
