The Claim: "Does the Syrian Free Army (Al Tanf) and the Southern Operations Room share control of Damascus after the fall of Assad on December 8th, 2024?"
Verdict: Needs Research
What We Know
As of October 2023, Bashar al-Assad remains the President of Syria, and there has been no official announcement or credible reports indicating that he has fallen from power. The Syrian Free Army (SFA) and the Southern Operations Room (SOR) are both factions within the broader Syrian opposition, but their influence and control over regions in Syria, including Damascus, have fluctuated significantly throughout the ongoing civil conflict.
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Syrian Free Army (SFA): Originally formed in 2011, the SFA is a coalition of various rebel groups opposing the Assad regime. Its influence has waned over the years due to internal divisions and the rise of more powerful groups, such as ISIS and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
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Southern Operations Room (SOR): This is a coalition of various rebel factions operating primarily in southern Syria. It has received support from foreign powers, including the United States, particularly in the Al-Tanf area, which is located near the Jordanian border.
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Current Control of Damascus: As of now, Damascus is under the control of the Assad regime, with significant military presence and governance structures in place. The regime has regained control over most of the country, and any claims regarding the fall of Assad or a change in control of Damascus would require substantial evidence.
Analysis
The claim that the Syrian Free Army and the Southern Operations Room would share control of Damascus following the fall of Assad on a specific date in December 2024 is speculative at this point. Several factors need to be considered:
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Political Landscape: The Syrian civil war has been marked by shifting alliances and power dynamics. While the SFA and SOR have been active in various regions, their ability to control a major city like Damascus would depend on numerous factors, including military capability, popular support, and external backing.
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Military Situation: The Assad regime has demonstrated resilience, bolstered by Russian and Iranian support. Any significant change in the control of Damascus would likely require a major military shift, which is not currently evident.
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Future Predictions: Predicting political outcomes in conflict zones is inherently uncertain. While the possibility of regime change exists, it is contingent upon a variety of unpredictable factors, including international intervention, internal dissent, and the actions of other regional players.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that the Syrian Free Army and the Southern Operations Room share control of Damascus after the fall of Assad on December 8th, 2024, is "Needs Research." As of now, there is no credible evidence to support the assertion that Assad has fallen or that these groups control Damascus. The situation in Syria remains complex and fluid, and further developments will require close monitoring. Additional information that would be helpful includes credible reports from reliable news sources, analyses from geopolitical experts, and updates on the military situation in Syria leading up to December 2024.
