Syrian rebels brought down a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of current President Bashar al-Assad, in the city of Hama.
The footage, shows rebels toppling the statue in a central square amid chants denouncing the Assad regime. This follows the rebels’ takeover of Hama after government forces withdrew under heavy pressure. A witness, speaking to AFP, described seeing “dozens of protesters” destroying the monument, which has long stood as a symbol of the Assad family’s rule.
Gunfire Erupts As Rebels Celebrate Toppling Hama, Desecrate Statue Of Assad’s Father
The fall of Hama marks a significant milestone in the rebels’ offensive, which has seen them capture major cities, including Aleppo, and advance rapidly across the country. Just days ago, a statue of Bashar al-Assad’s late brother, Bassel, was similarly destroyed in Aleppo.
The Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a leading role in the offensive, declared victory in Hama. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, assured residents there would be “no revenge,” as fighters took control of the city and its central prison, freeing numerous inmates in the process.
The rebels’ advance has dealt a significant blow to the Syrian military, which has struggled to hold ground. In the south, rebel forces have reportedly seized Deraa, Suweida, and Quneitra, pushing to within 50 kilometres of the capital, Damascus.
Government defences now appear concentrated on Homs, a vital crossroads linking Damascus to the Mediterranean coast. State media reported heavy airstrikes and reinforcements being deployed to defend the city, but experts suggest that Homs’ fall would severely weaken the regime’s strategic position.
The international response to the rebel surge has been mixed. Russia, Iran, and Turkey—each with vested interests in Syria—have called for an end to the fighting but remain divided on their support for various factions. Meanwhile, Western officials have expressed concerns about potential chemical weapons use, as fears of escalating violence grow.