Algeria reaffirms support for Assad amid rebel advances in Syria

Algeria’s Foreign Ministry released a statement this week reaffirming its support for the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad as it faces “terrorist threats”, Middle East Monitor reports. 

This declaration follows the unexpected capture of Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group formerly affiliated with Al Qaeda. It is currently attempting an advance on Damascus with the goal of unseating Assad.

The U.S. classified Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization in 2012, NPR reports. However, Assad’s government itself has drawn widespread criticism from the international community.

A United Nations commission investigating the Syrian conflict concluded that Assad’s regime committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians and other violations. These findings led to Syria's suspension from the Arab League in 2011 and calls for Assad’s prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Syria’s Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to Algeria for backing Syria’s request for an emergency UN Security Council meeting held on Tuesday, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations.

Algeria has remained a steadfast ally of Assad throughout the 13-year Syrian conflict. It played a pivotal role in advocating for Syria’s reinstatement to the Arab League last year, signaling continued regional support for the Assad government.