The Syrian opposition has declared the establishment of a transitional government in the wake of the rapid collapse of the Assad regime.
In a landmark development, Mohammed al-Bashir, the head of the National Salvation Government based in Idlib, was appointed as the transitional prime minister.
His task will be to oversee the transition process and form a new government in the post-Assad era.
The Baath regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad, crumbled within days as opposition forces took control of Damascus and key government centers. The rapid dismantling of the regime led to widespread speculation about the future leadership of Syria.
Assad and his family fled the country, seeking refuge in Russia, leaving behind a power vacuum that is now being filled by opposition groups.
HOMS, SYRIA - DECEMBER 6: Anti-regime armed groups, opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime, advance inner parts of Homs, Syria on December 6, 2024. ( Izettin Kasim - Anadolu Agency )
HOMS, SYRIA - DECEMBER 6: Anti-regime armed groups, opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime, advance inner parts of Homs, Syria on December 6, 2024. ( Izettin Kasim - Anadolu Agency )
Military tanks abandoned by the Syrian army are pictured outside Damascus, on Dec. 9, 2024. (AFP Photo)
A Syrian anti government fighter shoots against a large banner bearing a picture of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, hanging on the facade of a municipal building in the west-central city of Hama on December 5, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels captured the central Syrian city of Hama on December 5, days after seizing the country's commercial hub Aleppo in a lightning offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's forces. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP) / ?The erroneous PHOTOGRAPHER appearing in the metadata of this photo has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Bakr ALKASEM] instead of [Rami AL SAYED]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.?
Mohammed al-Bashir appointed as prime minister
On Dec. 7, 2024, a statement from the opposition confirmed that Mohammed al-Bashir, previously the head of the National Salvation government, would lead the transitional phase.
Al-Bashir is tasked with guiding the country through this critical period and establishing a new political order.
Al-Bashir's role is seen as pivotal in shaping Syria's future, as he will lead efforts to establish a new government that represents the diverse interests of the opposition groups that brought down the Assad regime.
Mohammed al-Bashir's background
Born in 1983 in Idlib, Mohammed al-Bashir has been a prominent figure in the opposition. He graduated in 2007 from Aleppo University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
In 2011, he began working with the Syrian Gas Company as an executive while also studying Sharia and Law at Idlib University.
Al-Bashir's political career took off in 2022 when he was appointed Minister for Development and Humanitarian Affairs in the National Salvation Government.