President Joe Biden stated on Sunday that the United States would engage with “all Syrian groups” regarding the political transition following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
“We will engage with all Syrian groups, including through the United Nations-led process, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime towards an independent, sovereign Syria with a new constitution,” said Biden.
Biden emphasised that al-Assad should be held accountable for his actions during his rule, now that his government has been overthrown. When asked about the deposed leader, reportedly fled to Moscow, Biden responded, “Assad should be held accountable.”
He described the regime’s collapse as a “moment of historic opportunity” for Syria.
“The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice,” Biden said from the White House. “This is a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria.”
Reports suggest that al-Assad’s departure follows a decisive rebel offensive by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Their rapid campaign broke years of stalemated frontlines in Syria’s civil war.
Early on Sunday, the group announced they had entered Damascus, forcing Assad to flee. The announcement sparked celebrations across the country, with Assad’s luxurious home being ransacked by jubilant crowds.