22.12.2024 19:20
The background of the operation that overthrew the Baath regime in Syria has been revealed. According to a report in the Washington Post, HTS, which had been preparing for the attack for four years, presented the plan to Ankara. During the Astana summit on November 11, Turkey warned the Syrian regime and Russia, and later gave its principle approval for the operation of the opposition.
The 61-year Baath regime in Syria came to an end on December 8, following an operation that began on November 27. As the ousted leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, everyone wondered how Assad was overthrown in such a short time.
THE OPERATION PLAN WAS PRESENTED TO ANKARA FIRST
The Washington Post reported the details of the operation that brought an end to the Baath regime. Musa Elesad, a member of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stated that they had been preparing an attack plan that would change the balance of power on the ground for 4 years. Elesad mentioned that the prepared plan was presented to Turkey by HTS at the beginning of the year. Ankara viewed the plan positively and gave its principle approval. In his statement, Elesad expressed that Turkey initially wanted to prevent conflict and later a Turkish official tried to protect the region to reduce tensions in Idlib until the last moment.
TURKEY WARNED AT THE ASTANA SUMMIT
The Astana talks, which began on November 11, became a turning point. At the Astana meeting, Ankara warned the Syrian regime and Russia. Elesad stated that Turkey noted to Assad and Moscow that the ongoing uncertainty in the region was unsustainable. Elesad expressed that a Turkish official warned the regime and its supporters, stating that if attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Idlib continued, they would face retaliation from the opposition.
Turkey gave the green light to the plan presented by HTS after the Astana summit. On November 26, when a ceasefire was declared between Israel and Hezbollah, HTS, concerned about the return of Hezbollah forces to the Syrian front, initiated the operation.
ASSAD TRIED TO CONTACT TURKEY AS A LAST RESORT
Bashar al-Assad attempted to communicate with Turkey as a last hope before fleeing to Moscow. It was reported that Assad had the thought that the opposition might stop the operation, which is why he started trying to contact Turkey, but he was unsuccessful.