Verified news reports or official Syrian government announcements

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham Militants Set Fire to Hafez al-Assad's Grave in Qardaha, Latakia

Dec 11, 2024, 11:16 AM

The grave of Hafez al-Assad, the former Syrian president and father of current President Bashar al-Assad, was set on fire by militants from Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Qardaha, Latakia. Reports indicate that the mausoleum was destroyed during an attack by Syrian Islamist fighters who expressed hostility towards the Assad family. Video footage has surfaced showing the destruction of the tomb, which has been a significant site for the Alawite community. Local residents reported that the militants intimidated those who had cooperated with the current regime. This incident follows ongoing tensions in the region, as the Syrian National Army (SNA) moves closer to the Suleyman Shah Tomb, a site previously relocated due to security threats from ISIS in 2015. The actions against Hafez al-Assad's grave reflect the broader conflict and shifting power dynamics within Syria.