The United States (US) president-elect, Donald Trump, has called for the US to refrain from intervening in Syria as opposition fighters make significant progress towards the capital, Damascus.
Trump in a statement via his verified X account on Saturday stated that the opposition forces have, in an unprecedented move, taken control of numerous cities in a coordinated offensive and are now preparing for a major push to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
“Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad,” Trump said.
He also criticised Russia’s inability to stop the offensive due to their ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating, “Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.”
Trump further emphasised the failure of former President (Barack) Obama to take action, claiming, “This is where former President Obama refused to honour his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in.”
He suggested that the potential removal of both Assad and Russian influence in Syria might be beneficial, adding, “But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them.”
Trump further reaffirmed his position of non-intervention, asserting, “There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid.
“In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & the United States should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. let it play out. do not get involved!”