Rebels Overthrow Assad Regime, Israel Strengthens Buffer Zone Deployment

After nearly 14 years of civil war, the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad collapsed early Sunday as rebel forces took control of Damascus. Syrian state television confirmed Assad’s overthrow, announcing the release of all political prisoners held in government jails.

Reports indicate that Assad fled Damascus hours before the rebel advance, with conflicting accounts about his fate. A Syrian opposition war monitor claimed Assad had left the country for an undisclosed location, while Reuters cited sources suggesting that he may have been killed in a plane crash following a sudden disappearance from radar.

In response to the regime’s collapse and growing instability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the deployment of troops in the buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border. Lt.-Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic Language Spokesperson, explained the decision on Twitter:

“In light of the events in Syria and based on an assessment of the situation and the possibility of armed men entering the buffer zone, the IDF deployed forces in the buffer zone and at several necessary defensive points in order to ensure the security of the residents of the Golan Heights towns and the citizens of the State of Israel,” Adraee wrote.

The IDF stressed that its actions are defensive and that it has no intention of intervening in Syria’s internal conflict. “We emphasize that the IDF does not intervene in the events taking place in Syria,” Adraee added.

Israel’s deployment aims to safeguard its citizens from potential spillover violence as Syria faces a new chapter of uncertainty. Stay informed by sharing this story or subscribing to our newsletter for updates on this rapidly evolving situation.