Macron Welcomes the “Fall of the Barbaric State” in Syria

Writing on X, Macron said: “The barbaric state has fallen. At last. I salute the Syrian people, their courage, and their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity.” He added that France “remains committed to ensuring the security of all in the Middle East.”

France has expressed concern about extremists, particularly French nationals, in Syria and the risk of exporting this threat to Europe and the region.

Earlier today, the Syrian opposition announced that it had entered the capital, Damascus, leading to the fall of Assad’s regime, who fled to an unknown destination.

In parallel, UN war crimes investigators described Assad’s fall as a “historic new beginning” for Syrians. They urged the new leadership to ensure that the atrocities committed during Assad’s regime are never repeated. A statement from the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria noted: “Today marks a historic new beginning for the Syrian people, who have endured unimaginable violence and atrocities over the past 14 years.” The statement highlighted the plight of those arbitrarily detained for years, adding, “Current officials must ensure that such atrocities are never repeated behind the walls of Sednaya prison or any other detention facility in Syria.”