Official announcements from the Syrian government or credible international news agencies

Syrian Rebels Burn Tomb of Hafez al-Assad, Marking Symbolic End to Assad Rule

Dec 11, 2024, 04:13 PM

In a significant act of defiance, Syrian rebels have set fire to the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the father of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, in the town of Qardaha, Latakia. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved rebels in military uniforms storming the mausoleum and igniting the coffin containing Hafez's remains. Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria from 1970 to 2000, was known for his iron-fisted rule. The act of vandalism was captured in videos showing the mausoleum engulfed in flames, with crowds of young men watching. The rebels' actions are seen by many as a symbolic end to over fifty years of Assad family rule in Syria.