Syrian rebels take Damascus; Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia
On 8 December 2024, in Damascus, Syria, rebel forces seized the capital and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending more than five decades of Assad family rule.
Summary
On 8 December 2024, in Damascus, Syria, rebel forces seized the capital after a lightning advance, and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending more than five decades of his family's rule. Reuters reported that Russia gave asylum to Assad and his family. On 9 December, India's Ministry of External Affairs said it was monitoring the situation, underlined the need to preserve Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocated a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process, and said its Embassy in Damascus was in contact with the Indian community.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 8 Dec 2024, Damascus, Syria
- Event
- Rebels seize Damascus; Assad flees to Russia
- Ended
- Assad family rule of over five decades
- India's response (9 Dec)
- Peaceful, inclusive Syrian-led political process; preserve unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity
Practice MCQs 5 questions
Which capital city did Syrian rebel forces seize on 8 December 2024, ending Bashar al-Assad's rule?
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Correct answer: D — Damascus
Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus unopposed on Sunday, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia; The Hindu also reports rebels claimed control of Damascus.
To which country did Bashar al-Assad flee after rebels took Damascus on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Russia
Reuters (8 Dec 2024) and The Hindu (9 Dec 2024): President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia; Reuters reports Moscow gave asylum to Assad and his family.
In its statement of 9 December 2024 on Syria, India's Ministry of External Affairs advocated:
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Correct answer: B — A peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process
The Hindu and Indian Express (9 Dec 2024): the MEA said 'We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.'
The fall of Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024 ended his family's rule over Syria that had lasted roughly:
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Correct answer: C — Five decades
Reuters (8 Dec 2024): the capture of Damascus ended more than five decades of the Assad family's rule; The Hindu (9 Dec 2024) calls it the end of the 50-year-long Assad family rule.
Consider the following about the developments in Syria in December 2024: 1. President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia after rebels took Damascus. 2. India's MEA underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Assad fled to Russia as rebels seized Damascus. The Hindu and Indian Express (9 Dec 2024): the MEA underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.