Syrian Islamist Fighters Burn Hafez al-Assad's Mausoleum, Father of President Bashar al-Assad

Dec 11, 2024, 01:53 PM

On Wednesday, December 11, Syrian Islamist fighters reportedly destroyed and set fire to the mausoleum of former President Hafez al-Assad, father of current President Bashar al-Assad, in his hometown of Qardaha, Latakia province. The mausoleum, which also contains the grave of Bassel al-Assad, was engulfed in flames, as seen in videos circulating online. The act was allegedly carried out by militants associated with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Witnesses reported that armed men entered the Alawite town, sometimes cursing and intimidating locals. Hafez al-Assad ruled Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, establishing a political dynasty continued by his son Bashar al-Assad.