Syria's new era: Shara appointed as interim president
The new authorities in Syria announced on Wednesday evening the appointment of Ahmed al-Shara as the interim president, making him the effective ruling leader of the country, according to the state news agency SANA. They also announced the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of the parliament, along with all armed groups operating in Syria.
Shara is the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which on December 8, 2024, captured Damascus, overthrowing the 24-year regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Since then, Shara has been the de facto leader of Syria.
Revolution in Syria
Following a swift 11-day offensive, a coalition of rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Assad, who fled with his family to Russia. Mohamed al-Bashir was appointed as the prime minister of the interim government.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on reports that the new Syrian government had asked Moscow to extradite Bashar al-Assad in exchange for maintaining Russian military bases in the country. "I will leave it without comment. We will continue further dialogue with the Syrian authorities," Peskov told journalists on Wednesday.
Russia has supported Assad for years in its fight against Syrian rebels, deploying its air force and special forces. Assad's loss of power threatened Russian bases in Tartus and Hmeimim, which hold strategic significance for the Kremlin. Russia has made it clear that it is keen on maintaining these facilities.
Source: PAP, Politico, WP News
