US President Joe Biden called the sudden collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria a “fundamental act of justice” on Sunday, claiming the country was suffering under Assad and his family.
However, he cautioned that this was also “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Middle East.
Biden addressed the nation from the White House just hours after rebel groups completed their takeover of Syria, marking the end of over a decade of violent civil war. The president confirmed that the United States was closely monitoring reports suggesting that Assad, whose whereabouts remain unknown with reports indicating that he has taken refuge in Russia.
Biden credited the efforts of the United States and its allies in undermining Assad’s backers, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah.
“Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Biden said while emphasising that the allies could no longer support Assad’s grip on power.
Concerns over rebel groups’ intentions
The Syrian opposition group that overthrew Assad, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has a controversial history. Designated as a terrorist organisation by the Biden administration for its alleged ties to al-Qaida, the group has since claimed it severed those links.
Acknowledging this complex scenario, Biden remarked, “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses. But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions.”
US military presence to continue
Biden confirmed that the United States would maintain its troop presence in Syria, primarily in opposition-held areas in the northeast, to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State. He revealed that US forces conducted “dozens” of precision air strikes on Islamic State camps and operations in Syria on Sunday.
“We will remain vigilant,” Biden said. “We believe that our continued presence is essential to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
The United States maintains a military presence in Syria, with about 900 troops focusing on preventing an Islamic State resurgence. Daniel B Shapiro, deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East, clarified that the American military presence was solely aimed at defeating ISIS and was not connected to the broader conflict.
Austin Tice’s family renews hope
The fall of Assad’s regime has reignited calls for the safe return of missing US journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in 2012 near Damascus. Biden assured the Tice family of his administration’s commitment to finding him.
“We believe he’s alive, we think we can get him back but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And Assad should be held accountable,” Biden stated. He added, “We have to identify where he is.”