BEIRUT, Dec 10 – Mohammed al-Bashir has been appointed to lead a transitional government in Syria following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s administration, marking a significant turning point in the country’s prolonged civil war.
In a brief televised address on Tuesday, al-Bashir, 41, announced he would head the transitional authority until March 1, 2025. Al-Bashir, an electrical engineer by profession, previously led the “Syrian Salvation Government” (SSG), which was established in 2017 by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other militant groups operating in northern Syria.
The SSG held administrative control in HTS-dominated areas of Idlib and northern Syria. The HTS-led coalition launched a major offensive from northern Syria on November 27, rapidly advancing southwards and capturing Damascus within 12 days.
The surprise takeover by the HTS and its allies marked the collapse of the Assad government, which had ruled the country since 2000. Moscow, a key backer of Assad, said the former president’s decision to step down was “personal.”
“We maintain contact with all regional countries,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday, emphasizing Russia’s continued engagement in the region. He declined to comment on the long-term status of Russia’s military bases in Syria, stating, “It is difficult to predict the future development of the situation.”
The rapid changes in Syria’s political landscape underscore the volatile dynamics of the 13-year conflict, which began with peaceful protests in 2011 before spiraling into a multifaceted war involving numerous domestic and international actors.
Al-Bashir’s appointment to lead the transitional government signals an uncertain path forward for Syria, with analysts questioning whether the HTS-led coalition can sustain its authority or stabilize the fractured nation.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
