Rubio Warns Syrian Transitional Regime Facing Imminent Collapse
Senator Marco Rubio stated that the Syrian transitional regime is potentially weeks away from collapse, which may lead to a catastrophic civil war. His remarks coincide with accusations from Russia regarding ethnic cleansing by militant groups, and reports indicate a recent attack on a Russian airbase in Syria. Additionally, former President Trump’s recent lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria signifies a potential shift in U.S. policy.
Senator Marco Rubio, during a recent hearing with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed grave concerns over the precarious situation facing the Syrian transitional regime. He assessed that, due to various challenges, the regime may be mere weeks away from collapsing, which could trigger an overwhelming civil war. Rubio warned that such a conflict would result in the nation effectively disintegrating.
Rubio’s assessment comes amid rising tensions in the country, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused certain radical militant groups of committing ethnic cleansing. Addressing attendees at a recent event in Moscow, Lavrov noted that these groups are perpetrating widespread atrocities against people based on their nationality and religion. However, he did not specify which groups he was implicating.
Russia, a staunch supporter of former President Bashar al-Assad, oversees military operations from two established bases: Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval facility. Since being ousted from power, Assad, who is part of the Alawite sect, has found refuge in Russia, further complicating the geopolitical scenario.
In the latest developments, sources from both Syrian and Russian circles reported that the Hmeimim airbase was attacked earlier in the week. This base is located in a region traditionally loyal to Assad, which has recently seen disturbing sectarian violence, particularly since numerous Alawites were reported killed last month. A Syrian security official from Latakia stated that the reasons behind the attack were still unclear, indicating an ongoing investigation.
A Telegram channel supportive of the Russian government shared what they claimed were images and videos of clashes involving Russian troops and Syrian fighters at the airbase. However, it is essential to note that Reuters has not independently validated the authenticity of this video evidence.
On a related note, this month, former President Donald Trump ordered the lifting of long-standing U.S. sanctions against Syria. This move signals a potentially significant change in the United States’ foreign policy approach towards the Middle East, adding another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.
The precarious state of Syria’s transitional regime raises concerns that it could collapse imminently, leading to severe consequences including a widespread civil war. The involvement of Russian forces, accusations of ethnic cleansing, and renewed sectarian conflicts present a highly volatile environment. Furthermore, the lifting of U.S. sanctions might alter the dynamics of international relations in the region, making the need for attentive observation of further developments crucial.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
