Deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be ‘held accountable’, says US President Biden
FirstpostIn the first full US reaction to Assad’s overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will ‘remain vigilant’ against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization This aerial picture shows a bullet-riddled portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad adorning Hama's municipality building after it was defaced following the capture of the city by anti government fighters. AFP US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be “held accountable” but called the nation’s political upheaval a “historic opportunity” for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad’s overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will “remain vigilant” against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. “It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria.” Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said “Assad should be held accountable.” Biden – set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump’s return to power – said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding.