Rubio Warns of Imminent Collapse of Syrian Transitional Regime

Senator Rubio warns the Syrian transitional regime could collapse in weeks, potentially leading to a civil war. Russian officials accuse militant groups of ethnic cleansing amid ongoing violence. The U.S. has recently lifted sanctions against Syria, raising concerns about worsening instability in the region.

Senator Marco Rubio recently shared a stark assessment with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding the Syrian transitional regime, suggesting it might be on the brink of collapse. “It is our assessment that, frankly, the transitional authority, given the challenges they’re facing, are maybe weeks, not many months, away from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions—basically the country splitting up,” Rubio stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

These comments surfaced amid rising tensions, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused militant factions in Syria of engaging in ethnic cleansing. Lavrov referenced ongoing atrocities, including mass killings based on nationality and religion, although he did not specify which groups were involved. This rhetoric from Russia adds fuel to the fire as the geopolitical stakes continue to rise in the region.

Russia, a staunch supporter of the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has maintained military bases in the country, including the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval facility. The situation remains complicated, especially with Assad, who is part of the Alawite sect, reportedly living in asylum in Russia after his ousting.

In a related development, reports indicated that the Hmeimim base was attacked earlier on Tuesday. This airbase has been a site of significant tension and violence, particularly since March, when there were reports of violence against Alawites. The motive for this attack remains unclear, and a Syrian security official noted that investigations are being conducted.

Additionally, a pro-Russian Telegram channel, Military Informer, shared what appeared to be footage of clashes involving Russian troops and Syrian fighters at the airbase. However, it’s worth mentioning that Reuters has not been able to verify this footage independently.

Earlier this month, former President Trump made headlines by lifting longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, which had been imposed during Assad’s rule. This move suggests a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East, with implications that might exacerbate the current turmoil in Syria.

In summary, Senator Rubio’s warning about the imminent collapse of the Syrian transitional regime underscores an escalating crisis in the region. Amid accusations of ethnic cleansing from Russia and renewed violence at military installations, it appears the situation may become even more dire. The recent lifting of sanctions by the U.S. could have significant repercussions, thus affecting both the local and geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com