Syrian stakeholders outline strategy for transition of power from Bashar al-Assad

DAMASCUS: Syrian stakeholders have reportedly crafted a comprehensive plan aimed facilitating the end of the long-reigning president, Bashar al-Assad, as rebel forces make notable strides towards the capital.

According to reports, the Syrian military has retreated from the outskirts of the city, while the opposition fights have assumed control over the southern town of Sammin.

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A significant assembly of Assad’s cabinet members and military personnel convened at a nearby airbase. The developments indicate that preparations were underway for a potential transfer of power.

The proposed strategy reportedly includes the formation of an interim government following the conclusion of Assad’s rule. The interim body will be tasked with organising presidential and parliamentary elections within a nine-month timeframe.

Meanwhile, several news outlets in the United States (US) reported that the Syrian president is currently absent from Damascus.

The CNN cited sources claiming that while the Syrian presidential palace maintained that Assad was still in the country, he is not present in any of of the expected location within the capital.

The US media  outlet also alleged that Assad’s presidential guard was not stationed at his usual residence.

Rebel forces have also been reportedly actively searching for the Syrian president, although they seem to lack reliable intelligence on his exact location.

Meanwhile, the Syrian presidential palace refused claims that Bashar al-Assad had fled the country.

Following the emergency of the reports, the Syrian government-affiliated news outlet released a statement strongly asserting that Assad was in Damascus and “actively engaged” in his duties.

In a recent address, the Syrian Chief of the General Staff, General Abdul Karim Mahmoud Ibrahim, urged the citizens not to believe the misleading narratives propagated by rebel factions.

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He stated that the Syrian military was committed to countering the rebellion, having launched huge offensives against the rebel positions and reportedly neutralising a considerable number of insurgents.

The Syrian army continues to maintain a presence in rural areas to safeguard them from rebel incursions, and with the public cooperation, officials express confidence in restoring ‘stability’.