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Militant takeover of Syria

Militants take full control of the Syrian capital Damascus and announce the overthrow of president Bashar al-Assad. The militants, in a brief statement on state television, said all people imprisoned by the former government have also been released. The militants also announced a curfew in Damascus until Monday 5am. Bashar Assad has reportedly flown out of Damascus with his whereabouts unknown. The Militant commander Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has arrived in Damascus after talks with Syrian prime minister on how to manage the current period. Earlier, Jolani ordered his forces not to approach official institutions . However, pictures show that the Iranian embassy in Damascus has been ransacked. Armed groups opposed to the Syrian government launched an offensive in late November and rapidly took control of major cities such as Aleppo, Hama and Homs.

Iran reaction

Iran says it’s committed to Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the future of the Arab country should be determined solely by its people, free from foreign interference. In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry called for an urgent end to military conflicts, prevention of terrorist acts, and the initiation of national dialogue involving all segments of Syrian society. The ministry added that the dialogue should aim to establish an inclusive government representing all Syrians. It said Iran supports international mechanisms, particularly UN Resolution 2254, to facilitate the political process in Syria. The foreign ministry asserted that ensuring the safety of all citizens and protecting religious sites and diplomatic missions is essential under international law. It added that Iran and Syria share a long-standing friendship, and both nations are expected to maintain relations based on mutual interests and international legal commitments.

Israel Syria violations

Israel's prime minister has ordered its military to seize a buffer zone with Syria in the Golan Heights. Benjamin Netanyahu said the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria has collapsed as Syrian soldiers have abandoned their positions. He said Israel will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on the border with the occupied territories. Earlier, Israeli tanks entered the Syrian town of Quneitra in the Golan Heights. Israel has also carried out a wave of airstrikes in Syria after the militants’ takeover of the country. The al-Mazzeh military base in Damascus and Khalkhalah in the southern al-Suweida part of the country were struck. Attacks were also reported in rural areas of Daraa in the south. The targets included weapon depots, air defense batteries and missile manufacturing facilities.

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