In a footage circulating on social media, Islamist rebels in Damascus have vowed to march on Jerusalem following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The video, widely shared on December 8, shows armed rebels delivering a speech from a mosque in the Syrian capital, proclaiming their intentions and urging solidarity with Gaza.
“This is the land of Islam, this is Damascus, the Muslim stronghold. From here to Jerusalem. We’re coming for Jerusalem. Patience, people of Gaza, patience,” declared the speaker, flanked by gunmen shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”).
The footage emerges a day after opposition forces achieved a significant breakthrough, taking control of Damascus and effectively ending the Assad family’s five-decade-long rule. However, it remains unclear which faction the armed rebels in the video represent.
Rebel Activities and Public Messaging
The fall of Damascus has prompted significant shifts across Syria. In Aleppo, captured by rebels a week ago, there have been no reports of reprisals against minorities or dissenting communities. This restraint has been attributed to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria’s most powerful rebel group, whose leader has publicly sought to reassure both minorities and the international community.
In a recent statement, HTS leadership emphasised their opposition to Islamist attacks abroad and pledged non-interference with minority groups within Syria. While these assurances aim to project a moderate stance, the group’s intentions and ability to govern remain under scrutiny as the country navigates a volatile post-Assad transition.
Regional Implications
The chaotic developments in Syria have heightened tensions across the region. On December 7, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) seized control of the buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border. The IDF described this move as a defensive and temporary measure, citing the instability following Assad’s ousting.
Israel has historically viewed Syria’s internal conflict with concern, particularly regarding the potential for radical factions to exploit power vacuums. The IDF’s latest actions underline fears that such groups could turn their attention toward Israel, a scenario seemingly corroborated by the rhetoric in the Damascus video.
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