Live Updates: Damascus falls as Syrian army command tells officers that Bashar al-Assad's rule has ended
Syrian rebels said Damascus was "now free of Assad".
Syrian rebel forces impose curfew in Damascus after seismic capture of capital
Syrian opposition forces have imposed a curfew in the capital, Damascus, following their successful takeover of the city. According to Reuters, the curfew will be in effect from 4:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily.
The move aims to consolidate control as rebels solidify their position after an 11-day campaign that culminated in the fall of Damascus, marking a dramatic shift in the Syrian conflict.
11-Day Campaign Summary: The Fall of Damascus
The past 11 days have seen a decisive series of victories by opposition forces, including the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as they swept through key Syrian territories:
Aleppo's Capture: Opposition forces launched their offensive in northern Syria, securing Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, within the first few days.
Homs Under Siege: By mid-campaign, the rebels advanced south, quickly overtaking Homs, the third-largest city, in a strategic push toward Damascus.
Deir ez-Zor and Palmyra Seized: The rebels secured the oil-rich region of Deir ez-Zor and captured the historic city of Palmyra, cutting off key government supply lines.
Daraa and Southern Push: Forces gained control of Daraa, the cradle of the Syrian uprising, tightening their grip on the south.
Damascus Falls: The final push into Damascus began late last week, with reports confirming President Bashar al-Assad fled the capital on December 7.
Rebel groups now claim full control of Damascus and have declared the Syrian government effectively dissolved. HTS commander Ahmed Al-Sharaa issued directives prohibiting militant activities in public institutions and called for continuity of governance through former Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali.
Iranian diplomats evacuate Syrian Embassy as Damascus falls to rebels forces
Iranian diplomats stationed in Damascus evacuated the Syrian embassy earlier today before it was stormed by members of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), according to a report by Iran’s Tehran Times.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the evacuation, stating that all Iranian officials are safe. "The safety of our personnel is our utmost priority," Baghaei told the Tehran Times.
The attack on the embassy follows a series of rapid advances by HTS and allied rebel factions across Syria. The group, designated a terrorist organization by multiple countries, has capitalized on the diminished presence of Hezbollah forces, which have been diverted due to ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon.
The situation underscores the escalating instability in the region and raises questions about the security of diplomatic missions amid the conflict. Iran has vowed continued support for the Syrian government, but the evacuation highlights the growing risks posed by the rebel offensive.
Iranian Embassy ‘looted’ amid takeover
A video has surfaced showing widespread destruction at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus following the city’s capture by forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The footage, shared on a Telegram channel linked to Iraqi militias, reveals shattered windows, ransacked offices, and gunshot damage on bulletproof glass at the embassy entrance.
Civilians are seen removing furniture, office equipment, and other valuables from the premises.
Iranian state TV confirmed the attack, attributing it to “unknown individuals.”
Iraqi media reported that Baghdad has evacuated its diplomatic staff to Lebanon, while the Russian Embassy remains operational. A Russian mission spokesperson assured that “everything is fine” with their facilities in Damascus.
The takeover of Damascus marks a seismic shift in the Syrian conflict, with fighting groups declaring control over the capital and claiming governance of the country.
Military sources informed Reuters that President Bashar al-Assad fled the city on Saturday night to an undisclosed location.
HTS commander Ahmed Al-Sharaa has reportedly ordered militants to avoid public institutions and refrain from celebratory gunfire, stating that government operations will temporarily remain under the oversight of former Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali. Al-Jalali announced his willingness to collaborate with new leadership while emphasizing the importance of governmental continuity.
The developments leave Syria on uncertain ground as power dynamics rapidly shift, raising questions about the stability of the new regime and its international ramifications.
Bashar al-Assad’s plane crashes? Whereabouts unknown amid Syrian regime collapse
Speculation is mounting over the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after the fall of his government.
While senior Syrian military officers claim Assad fled the country via plane, conflicting reports from Israeli sources suggest there is no confirmation of his departure from Syria.
According to sources, Assad's aircraft Ilyushin Il-76 reportedly disappeared from radar shortly after rebels took control of the capital. Some Syrian officials have alleged that the plane crashed, though no official confirmation has been made.
The uncertainty has been compounded by reports from the British Telegraph indicating that Egyptian and Jordanian officials previously advised Assad to leave Syria and establish a government-in-exile.
Meanwhile, Assad’s family is believed to have left Syria for Russia last week, and reports suggest his brother-in-law has sought refuge in the UAE.
Rebels claim to have penetrated key areas in Damascus, freeing prisoners from Sednayah military prison and encountering little to no resistance from the Syrian army. Al Jazeera reported that government officials and regime elements had vacated the defense ministry headquarters in the city.
The international community awaits clarity on Assad’s fate as the new power dynamics in Syria continue to unfold.
Ilyushin Il-76
The Ilyushin Il-76, known by its NATO reporting name "Candid," is a four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter designed by the Soviet Union's Ilyushin bureau in 1967. Initially developed as a commercial freighter to replace the Antonov An-12, it is capable of delivering heavy machinery to remote areas and operating from unpaved runways.
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Syrian rebels say they have toppled Assad in state television announcement
Syria’s civil war: Key reasons and what future holds
Damascus falls as Syrian army command tells officers that Bashar al-Assad's rule has ended
Trump says Assad is gone, Putin’s Russia no longer interested in protecting him
US President-Elect Donald Trump reacted on Sunday to the toppling of the suppressive regime of Bashar al-Assad by Turkey-backed Syrian rebel groups overnight — who swooped the Syria in just the matter of 11 days as the operation fall Damascus started on November 28.
"Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
"There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever," he added.
Trump said: "Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success. Likewise, Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians."
Addressing the war between Russia and Ukraine, Trump stated, "There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.
“Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!"
Turkey supports Syrian Opp takeover but fears growing SDF influence
As the Syrian opposition gradually takes control of Damascus, signaling the potential end of the 54-year Assad regime, Ankara is cautiously recalibrating its policies.
While Turkiye strongly supports the removal of Bashar al-Assad and a transition to opposition rule, concerns over the expanding influence of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), predominantly Kurdish fighters, are rising.
Ankara is also focused on the future of Syrian refugees, with around 3.5 million currently residing in Turkiye.
The Turkish government hopes that a stable, opposition-controlled Syria will facilitate the return of these refugees, providing economic relief.
These new calculations signal a shift in Turkiye’s approach to Syria, aiming for a radically different future than the one seen just days ago.
Syrian Opp leader vows no retaliatory actions will be taken against anyone
Head of the Syrian National Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces Hadi al-Bahra has proclaimed the end of Syria's "dark period" with the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.
In an interview with Al Arabiya, he expressed optimism for a new chapter in Syria's history.
Assuring citizens of their safety, al-Bahra stated that Damascus is secure and emphasized that no retaliatory actions will be taken against anyone.
In a post on social media platform X, he reassured residents, saying, "All individuals who refrain from taking up arms against others and remain in their homes are safe, regardless of sectarian or religious differences."
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Syria as the nation transitions towards a future beyond decades of authoritarian rule.
Turkish Foreign Minister Calls for Political Process in Syria Amid Emerging Hope
Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of initiating a political process in Syria during a press conference held in Doha. He stated, "The Syrian people must now decide the future of their country."
Highlighting the significance of the current developments, Fidan remarked, "Today, a ray of hope has emerged in Syria." He urged all parties to exercise restraint and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting the situation.
The minister reiterated Turkiye's commitment to ensuring stability and security in Syria. He also praised the constructive roles played by Iran and Russia in addressing the ongoing crisis.
Fidan called for coordinated international efforts to support peace and stability in the region, urging all stakeholders to contribute positively to Syria's path forward.
Syrian rebels say they have toppled Assad in state television announcement
Syrian rebels said on Sunday that they have ended Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule, in their first announcement on state television following a lightning offensive that took the world by surprise.
Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that Assad's regime had ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters.
But the Syrian army later said it was continuing operations against "terrorist groups" in the key cities of Hama and Homs and in Deraa countryside.
Assad, who had crushed all forms of dissent, flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.
"We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," the rebels said, referring to a large military prison on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.
Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom" from a half century of Assad family rule, witnesses said.
The dramatic collapse marks a seismic moment for the Middle East, ending the family's iron-fisted rule over Syria and dealing a massive blow to Russia and Iran, which have lost a key ally at the heart of the region.
The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability.
It marks a turning point for Syria, shattered by more than 13 years of war which has turned cities to rubble, killed hundreds of thousands of people, and forced millions abroad as refugees.
Stabilising western areas of Syria captured in the rebels' advance will be key. Western governments, which have shunned the Assad-led state for years, must decide how to deal with a new administration in which a globally designated terrorist group - Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - looks set to have influence.
HTS, which spearheaded the rebel advances across western Syria, was formerly an al Qaeda affiliate known as the Nusra Front until its leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, severed ties with the global jihadist movement in 2016.
"The real question is how orderly will this transition be, and it seems quite clear that Golani is very eager for it to be an orderly one," said Joshua Landis, a Syria expert and Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.
Golani will not want a repeat of the chaos that swept Iraq after U.S.-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. "They are going to have to rebuild ... they will need Europe and the U.S. to lift sanctions," Landis said.
HTS is Syria's strongest rebel group and some Syrians remain fearful it will impose draconian Islamist rule or instigate reprisals.
A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, according to data from the Flightradar website.
Item 1 of 10 Rebel fighters gather in Homs after Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following a rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise, in Homs, Syria December 8, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hasano
The aircraft initially flew towards Syria's coastal region, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect, but then made an abrupt U-turn and flew in the opposite direction for a few minutes before disappearing off the map.
Reuters could not immediately ascertain who was on board.
Two Syrian sources said there was a very high probability that Assad may have been killed in a plane crash as it was a mystery why the plane took a surprise U turn and disappeared off the map according to data from the Flightradar website.
"It disappeared off the radar, possibly the transponder was switched off, but I believe the bigger probability is that the aircraft was taken down...," said one Syrian source without elaborating.
As Syrians expressed joy, Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said he was ready to support the continuity of governance and prepared to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.
U.S. President Joe Biden and his team were monitoring the "extraordinary events in Syria" and were in touch with regional partners, the White House said.
Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad's rule, dragged in big outside powers, created space for jihadist militants to plot attacks around the world and sent millions of refugees into neighbouring states.
The frontlines of Syria's complex civil war were dormant for years. Then Islamists once affiliated with Al Qaeda suddenly burst into action, posing the biggest challenge to Assad, who had survived years of gruelling war and international isolation with the help of Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.
But Assad's allies were focussed on and weakened by other crises, leaving Assad at the mercy of his opponents with an army that was not prepared to defend him.
Israel, which has severely weakened the Iran-backed groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, will likely celebrate the fall of Assad, another of Iran's key regional allies. But the prospects of an Islamist group ruling Syria will likely raise concerns.
Thousands of Homs residents poured onto the streets after the army withdrew from the central city, dancing and chanting "Assad is gone, Homs is free" and "Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad".
Rebels fired into the air in celebration, and youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, whose territorial control has collapsed in a dizzying week-long retreat by the military.
The fall of Homs gave the insurgents control over Syria's strategic heartland and a key highway crossroads, severing Damascus from the coastal region that is the stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and air base.
Homs' capture is also a powerful symbol of the rebel movement's dramatic comeback. Swathes of Homs were destroyed by gruelling siege warfare between the rebels and the army years ago. The fighting ground down the insurgents, who were forced out.
Rebels freed thousands of detainees from the city prison. Security forces left in haste after burning their documents.
The head of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi said on Sunday on X: “We are witnessing historic moments in Syria as the authoritarian regime in Damascus falls. This change presents an opportunity to build a new Syria founded on democracy and justice, ensuring the rights of all Syrians.”
Who is Bashar al-Assad?
Bashar al-Assad, 59, rose to power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades. Born in Damascus, Bashar initially pursued a medical career, specializing in ophthalmology, before political events redirected his path.
His rise to the presidency was unplanned; his older brother, Bassel al-Assad, had been groomed to succeed their father but died in a car accident in 1994. Bashar returned from London, where he was studying, to assume his father’s legacy.
Assad's presidency has been marked by significant turmoil, especially the 2011 uprising that evolved into a devastating civil war. Initially sparked by demands for democracy, the conflict has since engulfed Syria in widespread violence and destruction. His government has faced international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons, repression of Kurdish populations, and enforced disappearances.
As of recent reports, Assad's control and presence in Syria are under scrutiny, raising questions about the country's future amidst ongoing unrest and geopolitical tensions.
Syrian PM says readiness for peaceful transition as rebel leader urges ‘restraint’
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali announced the government’s willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people in a recorded message released Sunday morning. Al-Jalali emphasized a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power while preserving state facilities.
“We are ready to cooperate with any leadership the people choose, offering all possible support to ensure a smooth and systematic transition of government functions,” he stated, urging citizens to protect public facilities as they are "assets belonging to all Syrians."
The prime minister reaffirmed his decision to remain in Syria and vowed to support the continuation of state operations, adding, “I am here in my home and do not intend to leave except in a peaceful manner.”
Meanwhile, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS)—the dominant armed opposition group—echoed calls for restraint. In a Telegram statement, he instructed rebel forces to avoid damaging public institutions or firing weapons unnecessarily.
“To all military forces in Damascus, it is strictly forbidden to approach public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are officially handed over,” al-Sharaa said.
This comes days after al-Sharaa, using his real name publicly for the first time, shared his vision for Syria’s future in a CNN interview, signaling an apparent effort to rebrand his leadership.
Damascus falls as Syrian army command tells officers that Bashar al-Assad's rule has ended
Syria's army command has notified officers that President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following a rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise.
Syrian rebels said Damascus was "now free of Assad".
Earlier the leader who crushed all forms of dissent flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.
Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom" from the long Assad family rule, witnesses said.
"We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," said the rebels.
Sednaya is a large military prison on the outskirts Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.
A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, according to data from the Flightradar website.
The aircraft initially flew towards Syria's coastal region, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect, but then made an abrupt U-turn and flew in the opposite direction for a few minutes before disappearing off the map.
Reuters could not immediately ascertain who was on board.
The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian on Sunday also declared that Damascus is now "without Bashar al-Assad".
As Syrians expressed joy, Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said he is ready to support the continuity of governance and is prepared to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.
The frontlines of Syria's complex civil war were dormant for years. Then Islamists once affiliated with Al Qaeda suddenly burst into action, posing the biggest challenge to Assad, who had survived years of gruelling war and international isolation with the help of Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.
But his allies were focused on and weakened by other crises, suddenly leaving Assad at the mercy of his opponents.
Just hours before reaching Damascus, rebels announced they had gained full control of the key city of Homs after only a day of fighting, leaving Assad's 24-year rule dangling by a thread.
Thousands of Homs residents poured onto the streets after the army withdrew from the central city, dancing and chanting "Assad is gone, Homs is free" and "Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad".
Rebels fired into the air in celebration, and youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, whose territorial control has collapsed in a dizzying week-long retreat by the military.
The fall of Homs gave the insurgents control over Syria's strategic heartland and a key highway crossroads, severing Damascus from the coastal region that is the stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and air base.
Homs' capture is also a powerful symbol of the rebel movement's dramatic comeback in the 13-year-old conflict. Swathes of Homs were destroyed by gruelling siege warfare between the rebels and the army years ago. The fighting ground down the insurgents, who were forced out.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the main rebel leader, called the capture of Homs a historic moment and urged fighters not to harm "those who drop their arms".
Rebels freed thousands of detainees from the city prison. Security forces left in haste after burning their documents.
Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghani said in a statement early Sunday that operations were ongoing to "completely liberate" the countryside around Damascus and rebel forces were looking toward the capital.
In one suburb, a statue of Assad's father, the late President Hafez al-Assad, was toppled and torn apart.
Outside the city, rebels swept across the entire southwest over 24 hours and established control.
EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO ASSAD RULE
The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Russia issued a joint statement saying the crisis was a dangerous development and calling for a political solution.
Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad's rule, dragged in big outside powers, created space for jihadist militants to plot attacks around the world and sent millions of refugees into neighbouring states.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the strongest rebel group, is the former al Qaeda affiliate in Syria regarded by the U.S. and others as a terrorist organisation, and many Syrians remain fearful it will impose draconian Islamist rule.
Golani has tried to reassure minorities that he will not interfere with them and the international community that he opposes Islamist attacks abroad. In Aleppo, which the rebels captured a week ago, there have not been reports of reprisals.
When asked on Saturday whether he believed Golani, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov replied, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating".
ALLIES' ROLE IN SUPPORTING ASSAD
Assad long rule relied on allies to subdue the rebels. Russian warplanes conducted bombing while Iran sent allied forces including Hezbollah and Iraqi militia to reinforce the Syrian military and storm insurgent strongholds.
But Russia has been focused on the war in Ukraine since 2022 and Hezbollah has suffered big losses in its own gruelling war with Israel, significantly limiting its ability or that of Iran to bolster Assad.
Rebels near Damascus as Syrian govt denies withdrawal
Rebels launched a lightning advance through Syria on Saturday, with reports suggesting they were closing in on Damascus.
However, the Syrian government rejected claims that its forces had pulled back from the capital's outskirts. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, from the Islamist-led alliance spearheading the offensive, announced that forces had entered the final phase of encircling Damascus.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), encouraged fighters to prepare for an assault on the seat of President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Despite these claims, Syria's Ministry of Defence issued a statement affirming that government forces remained in all areas surrounding Damascus, rejecting reports of a retreat. The government has not allowed independent verification of these claims.
In the Damascus suburbs, protesters toppled a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late president, with similar actions observed in Daraa and Hama. In Hama, residents set fire to a large portrait of President Assad, with one local calling the rebel entry "a great joy" after years of waiting since the start of the civil war in 2011.
Syria’s presidency dismissed reports suggesting that Assad had fled Damascus, stating that he continued to perform his duties from the capital.
As the rebels advanced, Syrian government forces appeared to retreat from several southern provinces, including Daraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that government forces had ceded significant ground, including Daraa province.
Rebels reportedly advanced within 20 km of Damascus, while government forces repositioned their forces in key areas.
In Hama and Daraa, local fighters assumed control of civil institutions and vital infrastructure, while in Sweida, fighters worked to secure facilities following the withdrawal of government forces.
International concerns about the worsening situation grew, with Jordan and both the US and Russia urging their citizens to leave Syria.
HTS, which has ties to Al-Qaeda, has attempted to present itself as a more moderate force. It reassured minorities in areas under its control, claiming that sectarianism and tyranny had ended.
Since the start of the offensive, at least 826 people, including 111 civilians, have died, with the UN estimating 370,000 people have been displaced.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a political resolution, while discussions continued in Qatar between Iranian, Russian, and Turkish officials.
Pakistan issues advisory for citizens over Syria situation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging the Pakistani citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Syria due to the prevailing security situation.
The advisory recommended compliance with the guidelines until the law-and-order situation in Syria improves. Pakistani citizens already in Syria were advised to maintain close contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus.
The MoFA shared the embassy's contact details for assistance. The contact number is +963 987 127 822, while the WhatsApp number is +963 990 138 972.
Also Read: Rebels near Hama, Syrian forces mount determined defense
Additionally, citizens can reach out through the email address parepdamascus@mofa.gov.ok.
Earlier, according to the foreign media reports, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem had declared unwavering support for the Syrian government as opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), make significant advances in Syria’s long-standing conflict.
Qassem, speaking on Thursday, criticized the role of the United States and Israel in allegedly backing what he described as “terrorist groups” aimed at destabilizing Syria.
"They will not achieve their goals despite recent actions," he said. "Hezbollah stands resolutely with Syria in resisting this aggression."
