Mon Dec 09 11:00:25 UTC 2024: ## Israel Seizes Syrian Buffer Zone Following Assad’s Ouster
**Jerusalem, December 9, 2024** – Israel has taken control of a buffer zone along its border with Syria following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced today. The move, described as a “limited and temporary step,” comes after days of intense upheaval in Syria, where rebel forces captured Damascus and ended Assad’s 14-year rule.
Saar stated that the Israeli military action was necessary to prevent weapons, including chemical weapons and long-range missiles, from falling into the hands of extremist groups. He confirmed that Israel had conducted airstrikes targeting suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rocket facilities. While Saar did not disclose specifics about the timing or locations of the strikes, an Associated Press journalist reported airstrikes near the Mezzeh military airport in Damascus on Sunday.
The Kremlin revealed that Russia has granted Assad political asylum, though his current location remains unknown. Israeli officials have expressed relief at Assad’s removal, given his close ties to Iran and Hezbollah, but remain concerned about the potential security vacuum in the war-torn country.
The fall of Assad has been met with a mixture of hope and apprehension. While many welcome the potential for a more peaceful Syria, concerns remain about the stability of the country and the power struggles among various armed factions. Israel’s temporary seizure of the buffer zone, established in a 1974 agreement, underscores these anxieties. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing reports of unrest and the potential for further conflict.
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