Mausoleum of Hafez al-Assad Torched in Qardaha, Syria
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that the rebels targeted the mausoleum
The mausoleum of Hafez al-Assad, father of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, was set ablaze in Qardaha, Syria. Footage from AFP on December 11, 2024, shows armed rebels and local youths watching as the structure burned. The footage revealed extensive damage, with Hafez’s tomb completely destroyed.
Located in Qardaha, the ancestral home of the Assad family, the mausoleum symbolizes the family’s enduring influence over Syrian politics and society, particularly within the Alawite community, which has historically supported the Assad regime.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that the rebels targeted the mausoleum, located in Latakia province, a stronghold for Assad’s Alawite community.
The mausoleum, characterized by its intricate architectural design and housing the remains of other Assad family members, including Bashar’s brother Bassel, was a significant symbol of the Assad family’s long rule. Bassel was being groomed for leadership before his death in 1994.
The mausoleum’s destruction during recent conflicts marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s ongoing civil war, symbolizing not only the physical loss of a significant cultural site but also the potential end of an era defined by Assad family rule.
Under Hafez al-Assad’s rule, significant investments were made in Qardaha and its surroundings, transforming it into a symbol of Alawite pride and loyalty. The town benefited from state patronage, which helped develop its infrastructure and economy.
This event follows a rapid offensive by rebels that resulted in the capture of key cities and ultimately led to Bashar al-Assad fleeing Damascus, marking the end of over 50 years of Assad family governance in Syria.
On the other hand, Syria’s newly appointed prime minister has pledged to protect the rights of all religious groups in the country, urging millions who fled during the war to return, according to AFP.
This development follows the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after a swift offensive led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and its allies.
As Syria faces an uncertain future, the new leadership has reassured religious minorities of their safety and vowed justice for victims of Assad’s authoritarian rule. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, emphasized on Wednesday that officials responsible for torturing detainees will not receive pardons.
