On December 9, 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the Assad regime has left Syria in a state of devastation and has "fled in shame." Speaking from Ankara, Erdogan reiterated that the regime, which has ruled through oppression, lost its legitimacy years ago.

Erdogan declared that a new era for Syria began on December 8, emphasizing that the "dark phase" is over and that a brighter future lies ahead for the Syrian people. He noted that Turkey had extended an olive branch to the Assad regime, but that it failed to grasp the offer, adding that the Ba'ath regime has been completely dismantled after decades of rule.

He asserted that cities such as Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and Damascus have returned to their rightful owners, insisting that Syria belongs to the Syrians and not to terrorist organizations. Erdogan stressed that the future of Syria should be determined by the Syrian people.

While affirming that Turkey does not seek the territory of any other nation, he emphasized the importance of national security. Erdogan pledged Turkey's support for Syria until it is stable and safe, overseeing the safe return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.

He expressed solidarity with the Syrian people, declaring them brothers to Turkey, regardless of their ethnic or sectarian backgrounds. Erdogan highlighted that Syria has been governed by tyranny, which has now been dismantled after over 60 years.

He also reflected on Turkey's challenging experiences during this period, noting that it has hosted many Syrians and defended the oppressed on various platforms. He called on Syria to "protect its territory from terrorists," stressing the need for coexistence among all components of Syrian society without discrimination.

This statement follows the announcement by the Syrian armed opposition on December 8, 2024, claiming control over Damascus and the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, heralding a "new era" for Syria after a military campaign that began on November 27, which ended the Assad family's more than 50-year rule.