Rubio Warns of Imminent Collapse of Syrian Transitional Regime

Senator Marco Rubio warned that the Syrian transitional regime may collapse within weeks, potentially leading to a devastating civil war. His remarks align with Russian accusations of ethnic cleansing by militant groups. Concurrently, the Hmeimim airbase came under attack, intensifying the ongoing violence in the region as the U.S. shifts its policy regarding Syria.

In a recent session of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio presented a dire assessment of the Syrian transitional regime’s future. He indicated that the regime might only be weeks away from collapsing, stressing the significant challenges that currently confront them. This collapse, he warned, could trigger a civil war of unprecedented scale, effectively leading to the disintegration of the nation as we know it.

Rubio’s statement comes amid escalating tensions, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made accusations against radical militant groups in Syria, alleging their involvement in ethnic cleansing. During a recent event marking the end of the Orthodox Easter, Lavrov condemned these groups for engaging in mass killings based on nationality and religion, although he refrained from naming specific factions.

Russia has historically supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and retains two military bases in the region: the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval facility. Assad, who belongs to the Alawite minority and has been granted asylum in Russia following his ousting, remains a pivotal figure in this ongoing crisis.

Reports surfaced that the Hmeimim airbase, situated in the country’s northwest coastal region, faced an attack earlier. This area has recently experienced a resurgence of sectarian violence, particularly since the deaths of hundreds of Alawites earlier this year. A Syrian security official from Latakia stated that the motives behind the assault on the base, which has served as a refuge for Alawite families, remain unclear; an investigation is underway.

Furthermore, a pro-Russian Telegram channel called Military Informer released footage purportedly showing a clash between Russian forces and Syrian fighters at the base. It is important to note that Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the authenticity of this video.

In a significant shift regarding U.S. policy towards Syria, earlier this month, former President Donald Trump ordered the removal of longstanding sanctions that had been enacted against Assad’s regime. This decision marks a notable change in the United States’ approach to issues in the Middle East and complicates an already intricate geopolitical landscape.

Senator Marco Rubio’s alarming prediction about the imminent collapse of the Syrian transitional regime underscores a rapidly deteriorating situation that the U.S. and its allies must navigate cautiously. With Russia accusing radical groups of ethnic cleansing and reports of violence at strategic military bases, the region is veering toward potential civil war. The recent policy shift by the U.S. government further complicates the crisis, highlighting an unstable environment that could have serious repercussions.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com