Unconfirmed claims indicate that Syrian President Bashar al-AssadAssad’s plane may have crashed or been shot down by rebel forces while allegedly attempting to flee Damascus. The incident revolves around an Ilyushin Il-76T aircraft operated by Syrian Air, which vanished from radar shortly after takeoff from the Syrian capital.
The flight initially headed toward Syria’s coastal region but abruptly changed course to fly over rebel-controlled areas in Homs. During this segment, the aircraft’s altitude plummeted from 3,650 meters to 1,070 meters, after which it disappeared from radar.
Experts suggest two possible explanations: a technical malfunction or a deliberate attack. Flightradar24.com has also highlighted potential discrepancies in the radar data, possibly caused by GPS jamming in the area and outdated aircraft transponders.
As of now, there is no official confirmation about the passengers aboard the aircraft. Reuters, citing Syrian sources, has reported a “high possibility” that Assad may have been on the ill-fated plane and possibly perished in the incident. Supporting this claim, a Syrian journalist noted that the 3D flight data suggests the aircraft was deliberately targeted. However, the lack of concrete evidence leaves room for speculation.
The disappearance of the plane occurs against the backdrop of escalating violence between Syrian rebel forces and the Assad government. Starting November 27, the conflict intensified, with rebels gaining significant ground.
By December 1, the rebels had seized control of Aleppo and subsequently captured Homs and Daraa. The capture of Daraa, located just 90 kilometers from Damascus, underscores the rapid advance of rebel forces. Celebrations by rebel fighters in cities like Homs and Daraa highlight their growing dominance and the weakening grip of Assad’s government.
While the fate of Bashar al-Assad remains uncertain, this event marks a critical moment in Syria’s ongoing conflict. If confirmed, Assad’s death or disappearance could signify a major shift in the country’s power dynamics, potentially accelerating the downfall of his regime. For now, the world watches closely as Syria teeters on the brink of significant political and military upheaval.
