DAMASCUS: Syria’s new interim leader, Mohammed al-Bashir, announced on Tuesday that he has assumed the role of caretaker prime minister with support from former rebels who recently ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
In a televised address, al-Bashir, previously an administrator in a rebel-held region in the northwest, stated that he would lead the interim government until March 1.
“We held a cabinet meeting today with members of the Salvation government from Idlib and officials from the former regime to facilitate the transfer of authority and manage government operations,” al-Bashir said.
Regional Military Escalations
Meanwhile, Israel reported a significant escalation in military activity, confirming that its forces had struck numerous strategic military sites across Syria over the past 48 hours.
The Israeli military announced it had conducted approximately 480 strikes, targeting strategic weapons stockpiles, naval vessels, anti-aircraft systems, and weapons production facilities in several Syrian cities.
Turkey also reported military action in the region. A Turkish intelligence operation destroyed 12 missile-laden trucks, two tanks, and other heavy weapons reportedly linked to the Kurdish YPG militia in northeast Syria, according to Turkish security sources.
Calls for Political Inclusion
As the transitional government was unveiled in Damascus, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an inclusive and transparent political process, emphasizing that U.S. recognition of the new leadership would depend on meeting those standards.
“The future of Syria must be decided by its people. Nations should support an inclusive political process and avoid external interference,” Blinken said in a statement, pledging U.S. backing for a government emerging from such a process.
Growing Regional Support
Reports suggest representatives from neighboring countries and Gulf Arab states have been engaging with officials from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and are expected to formally recognize the interim government soon.
While HTS is currently designated as a terrorist organization by Western nations, officials have indicated a willingness to reconsider this classification depending on the group’s actions. Unofficial contacts between U.S. representatives and HTS have reportedly taken place.
The transitional government’s next steps will likely shape both domestic stability and international recognition in the weeks ahead.
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