US President Joe Biden has welcomed the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime, describing it as a “fundamental act of justice” for the Syrian people who have suffered decades of repression.
In a statement, Biden said the fall of the Assad regime presents a historic opportunity for Syrians to build a better future. However, he also cautioned that this moment comes with risks and uncertainties for the region.
The US President pledged to support Syrians in rebuilding their country and announced plans to work with neighboring countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel, to ensure stability in the region.
Biden also emphasized the need to hold Assad accountable for his actions, saying “Assad should be held accountable”.
The US has already taken steps to prevent extremist groups from taking advantage of the power vacuum, conducting dozens of airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria.
In addition, Biden expressed hope for the safe return of American journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in Syria in 2012. The US government believes Tice is still alive, and Biden said “we think we can get him back”.