AMMAN: Supporters of rebels who ousted President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday have entered some Syrian embassies abroad to hoist their flag, while insurgents also entered the Italian envoy’s residence in Damascus.
In Spain, about 150 people cheered and shouted “Freedom!” as a man at the Syrian embassy in Madrid threw the Assad government’s flag to the ground and hoisted the black, green and white flag with three stars used by the rebels.
In Greece, supporters of the rebels entered the Syrian embassy in Athens and hoisted their flag from the rooftop. Police entered and detained four people, but left the flag flying.
“Our joy is indescribable, 55 years of horrible dictatorship has finally ended,” said Alompeint Marouf, 59, among people celebrating outside.
Protesters also tore down Assad’s portrait in the embassy, Greek media said.
Rebels also entered the residence of Italy’s ambassador in Damascus to search for pro-Assad troops or relevant documents and fired a few shots against a wall, but did not harm him or security staff, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.
“They took away only three cars and that was it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Syria’s Foreign Ministry said its diplomatic missions abroad will serve all citizens in a “new page” of national history that would unite people without one opinion dominating.
Barbaric state has fallen: French Prez Macron
“The barbaric state has fallen. Finally. I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I wish them peace, freedom and unity,” Macron said in a post on X social media.
“France will remain committed to the security of all in West Asia.”
Putin not interested in protecting Assad : Trump
In a post on Truth Social, US President-elect Donald Trump said, “Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer.”
“Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success,” he added.
Meanwhile, the White house in a statement said, “President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners.”