U.S. Efforts to Secure Chemical Weapons in Syria
The United States is actively collaborating with allied nations in the Middle East to address the threat posed by chemical weapons in Syria. Following the recent collapse of the Baath regime, the Biden administration is prioritizing the destruction or securing of these weapons, which were previously under the control of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. An anonymous U.S. official indicated that Washington is taking significant measures to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of unauthorized groups.
Syrian Opposition Gains Ground
In a significant development, Syrian opposition factions have entered the capital, Damascus, gaining control over key areas as regime forces withdraw from public institutions. This shift follows escalating battles that began on November 27, affecting various provinces including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Daraa, Sweida, and Homs. The recent advances by opposition forces mark a critical turning point in the ongoing Syrian civil war, which has seen the Assad regime accused of numerous chemical weapons attacks against civilians.
Assad's Asylum in Moscow
As the situation in Syria evolves, Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Moscow with his family, where they have been granted asylum for humanitarian reasons. This move underscores the regime's precarious position following the opposition's advances and raises questions about the future of governance in Syria. The international community, particularly the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), continues to monitor the situation closely, especially in light of Syria's past violations involving chemical weapons use.
