Allegations of a Secret Deal with Israel and Daraa
In the days following the overthrow of Syria’s former President Bashar al-Assad, significant allegations have emerged suggesting a shocking betrayal. Reports claim that Assad handed over critical military information to Israel, long regarded as a rival state. These revelations, if true, indicate that Assad made this move in exchange for a safe passage out of Syria.
According to these reports, Assad shared detailed information about the location of weapon depots, critical missile bases, and fighter aircraft. Reports indicate that Israel received this sensitive information to ensure that these strategic sites were not targeted during its operations in Syria. This revelation has sparked intense debate and speculation in geopolitical circles, raising numerous questions about the nature and extent of such covert agreements.
Turkish journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, writing for the publication Hurriyet, shared an account based on insights from a trusted source. Selvi’s source alleged that Assad disclosed the whereabouts of several high-value military assets to Israel as part of a calculated plan. The source described this as a desperate move by the former president to secure his safety and preserve critical military infrastructure from destruction. The timing of Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian military positions following Assad’s fall has only added credibility to these allegations.
Further intensifying these claims is the pattern of targeted attacks observed after Assad’s regime was toppled. Various Syrian military installations faced precise strikes, but certain key locations remained untouched. This selective targeting has led analysts to connect the dots, suggesting that the information provided by Assad might have directly influenced Israel’s operational strategy in Syria. The alleged deal underscores a striking moment of desperation in a regime struggling to maintain its grasp on power while navigating international hostilities.
The Fall of Daraa and the Uprising’s Symbolism
The fall of the southern Syrian city of Daraa marks a pivotal moment in the country’s conflict. Rebel forces took over Daraa, often regarded as the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Assad, on December 7. Assad’s forces lost their fourth city in just a week, signifying the regime’s rapid collapse in holding key territories.
Rebel sources confirmed that the Syrian military agreed to an orderly withdrawal from Daraa. Under the terms of the agreement, army officials were granted safe passage to Damascus, approximately 100 kilometers to the north. This withdrawal marked a significant victory for the rebels, who celebrated the event in the city’s main square.
Videos circulated on social media showed jubilant scenes of people firing shots into the air, mingling with residents, and taking to the streets on motorcycles. In one particularly symbolic act, forces brought down a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the father of Bashar al-Assad and a former president of Syria. The toppling of the statue marked a powerful moment for the rebels and residents, symbolizing the end of decades-long Assad rule in the city.
Symbolism and International Attention
The significance of the events in Daraa extends beyond its borders. The city has long been a focal point of resistance against the Assad regime. The 2011 uprising, which began in Daraa, sparked a nationwide conflict that ultimately drew international attention.
The recent events have been widely documented. Reuters was able to verify the location of the toppled statue through satellite imagery and file photos from 2011. These images confirmed the authenticity of the videos showing the removal of Hafez al-Assad’s statue. Rebel sources claim the footage aligns with their timeline and was recorded on December 7.
Rebels are solidifying control over Daraa. The sequence of events reflects profound shifts in Syria’s political and military landscape. The loss of Daraa is a significant development. Allegations of Assad’s deal with Israel add complexity to the situation. This paints a picture of betrayal, desperation, and symbolic victories in the ongoing Syrian conflict.