The President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Hadi al-Bahra, held a press conference on Monday to address the latest developments in Syria, their impact on the political process, and international positions.
At the beginning of the conference, al-Bahra extended his congratulations to all displaced Syrians who can now return to their homes and reunite with their loved ones after a prolonged ordeal in displacement and camps.
Al-Bahra honored the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from the Assad regime, separatist militias, and Iranian-backed sectarian militias, whose violations have affected all segments of the Syrian people.
He pointed out that military operations, including “Deterring Aggression” and “Dawn of Freedom,” emerged in response to massive public pressure. This pressure has been building for years, intensifying due to increasing attacks by Assad forces, their supporters, Iranian-backed sectarian, terrorist militias, and cross-border terrorist organizations. These groups targeted civilians in liberated areas and civilian infrastructure with airstrikes, artillery, and rocket bombardments, as well as the use of suicide drones.
Al-Bahra noted that these assaults coincided with a continuous and rapid decline in humanitarian aid, shifts in the refugee policies of several countries, and violations of refugee rights, such as those witnessed in Lebanon. These factors led to an increase in the number of refugees returning to liberated areas from neighboring countries.
He explained that this has strained the infrastructure in liberated areas, especially amid a lack of job opportunities. He added that Syrians have lost faith in the possibility of a political solution, given the Assad regime’s ongoing obstruction of the political process and some countries’ acceptance of normalization with the regime, mistakenly believing that Syrians have no choice but to abandon their struggle to achieve their aspirations.
Al-Bahra emphasized that the ongoing military operations have clear and specific goals. The first is to halt the attacks on liberated areas and deter aggression, as the only way to achieve this is by liberating the areas from which these attacks originate.
The second goal, he said, is to free areas occupied by Iranian-backed sectarian militias, separatist militias, and the Assad regime, allowing displaced residents of these towns, villages, and cities to return. The third goal is to activate the political process for the full and strict implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2118 and 2254.
Al-Bahra stated that international negligence, coupled with nations managing the crisis rather than engaging seriously in finding a sustainable solution that achieves peace, stability, and security, and the regime’s continued obstruction of the UN-led political process in Geneva, has driven the revolution and opposition forces to resort to negotiations through military means.
He stressed that the SOC closely monitors the situation in Syria and maintains ongoing communication with military leaders in the Syrian National Army and the groups involved in the two military operations. The SOC ensures their commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of citizens of all backgrounds, preserving public and private property, and facilitating the return of government employees to their offices and institutions to provide daily services to citizens.
Al-Bahra reaffirmed that the Syrian revolution is rooted in ethics and will achieve victory ethically as well. He reiterated the SOC’s commitment to the rights of all Syrian people, particularly displaced persons and refugees, to return to their original homes. Recalling his visits to Afrin, displacement camps, and European countries, he spoke of Syrians who dream of returning to their homes, expressing his welcome to all who wish to return once their areas become safe and stable.
He stressed that a political solution in line with UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 2254, is the only viable and sustainable solution for Syria. He emphasized the Syrian people’s right to use all possible means to push for this, including their right to voluntary, safe, and dignified return to their original homes, the restitution of their properties, and the use of legitimate means to release detainees, uncover the fate of forcibly disappeared individuals, and reclaim their constitutional and human rights.
Al-Bahra called for urgent and direct international action to revive the political process and push for the implementation of UN resolutions, including discussions on forming a transitional governing body that could start its work from Aleppo. He suggested that a comprehensive agreement be reached within a maximum period of six months as per the Security Council resolution, leading to the establishment of a transitional governing body for all of Syria.
He noted that this initiative requires the cooperation of key countries involved in the Syrian conflict, including Russia. Bahra emphasized that these nations must understand that Syria is at risk of collapse if left as it is, potentially leading to chaos with consequences no one can bear.
He reiterated that military actions are not pursued without political objectives, emphasizing that the primary goal of the current military operation is to achieve peace and stability in Syria. He added that as long as the regime refuses to meet the demands of the Syrian people, military operations will continue. “We will liberate our land and reclaim the rights of the Syrian people of all backgrounds, including Druze, Alawites, Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, Assyrians, Armenians, and Circassians. Syria is a rich mosaic of civilizations and ethnicities,” he said.
Al-Bahra assured residents of Aleppo and other cities that will soon be liberated of their safety and freedom. He promised that they would not face persecution or be subjected to any ideological or political impositions, and that their rights and freedoms would be protected.
He pointed out that there are agreed-upon rules and procedures with all opposition groups participating in the military operations. These factions are making significant efforts to adhere to all guidelines, including the humane treatment of prisoners from Assad’s forces. Al-Bahra mentioned that many conscripts performing mandatory service under the Assad regime have surrendered their weapons and fled. Upon their capture, their identities were verified to ensure they were not involved in criminal activities, and they were then released. Those who resisted were detained and will be brought to justice to face fair punishment.
Al-Bahra emphasized that this revolution is not about vengeance but about achieving justice for every citizen, regardless of their ideology, religion, political affiliation, or sect, and upholding the rule of law.
He mentioned that SOC members are currently present in Aleppo, communicating with residents to understand their needs and problems. These issues are being relayed to SOC leadership, which is coordinating with the Syrian National Army leadership to address and resolve them.
Al-Bahra reiterated that these battles will continue and will not cease until the Assad regime fully engages in the political process to implement Security Council Resolution 2254, leading to a political transition. He confirmed the SOC’s readiness to negotiate immediately to bring Syria out of its crisis while ensuring its independence, unity, and full sovereignty over its territory.
He appealed to the international community to ensure the safety and protection of civilians in Aleppo and all liberated areas, halt aggression, and achieve a ceasefire, especially in civilian areas and public facilities. He emphasized that this is a vital matter for all nations, as the ultimate goal is to stabilize Syrians in their homeland and prevent new displacement and refugee crises.
Al-Bahra urged countries to provide support to achieve this goal and called on the international community to expedite the delivery of medical, health, and humanitarian aid to liberated areas.
He stressed that the SOC is entrusted with the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, dignity, justice, and a peaceful democratic transition of power. The SOC will not betray this trust or falter in carrying it out, reaffirming its commitment to all UN resolutions and striving to implement them by all means and resources.
Al-Bahra explained that Syria’s current reality includes divided areas of control, humanitarian needs, and service gaps across various sectors. This unstable situation has necessitated temporary systems and solutions while highlighting the need for minimum levels of cooperation despite existing challenges. Therefore, a set of rules, procedures, and ethics has been agreed upon, including adherence to human rights in all activities within Syrian territories.
He concluded by affirming the SOC’s role as the political representative of the Syrian people in accordance with UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The SOC remains in contact with local administrations and residents to ensure compliance by the Syrian National Army and other factions with these standards and ethics. It also monitors their activities to guarantee citizens’ rights and prevent any organization from engaging in acts of terrorism or intimidating the population.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
