On 8 December, the regime of Bashir al-Assad in Syria collapsed amid the surprising offensive of various rebel groups. On the same day, the Libyan Embassy in Syria called on all Libyan citizens present and residing there to exercise caution and vigilance. The embassy urged everyone to adhere to the instructions of the competent Syrian authorities and to stay away from areas of unrest or violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Tripoli emphasized in a statement Libya’s full support for the demands of the Syrian people and their aspirations for freedom and justice and its principled stand with their revolution. The MFA underlined Libya’s unwavering support for the legitimate struggle of Syrians against tyranny, considering that this stage is the culmination of a long struggle for dignity and freedom. The ministry expressed its hope that these developments would constitute a ‘real start’ to wards building a civil, democratic state that would fulfil the hopes of the Syrians and achieve justice for all citizens of the country. Furthermore, the statement emphasized the need to ensure the return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their homes in dignity and safety.
The Grand Mufti al-Sadiq al-Ghariyani congratulated the Syrians on the fall of the ‘oppressive kingdom’ and their triumphant entry into their cities and territories. On the streets of Tripoli and Misrata, as well as in several other cities, Syrians celebrated the fall of the Assad regime.
On 8 December, a Syrian Cham Wings Airbus A320 airplane arrived in Benghazi, carrying a number of officers loyal to the Assad regime. Allegedly, they were transferred to al-Jufra in preparation for their transfer to Russia.