The Hear
Flag of turkey
08.12.2024

08.12.2024The Day Damascus Fell While Assad Flew East

THE
The Hear Logo
HEAR

This page is an archive of main headlines from Turkey for 08.12.2024.

It displays 337 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.

08.12.2024The Day Damascus Fell While Assad Flew East
Following previous days' advances through Hama and Homs, opposition forces entered Damascus, marking the end of Assad's 24-year rule. Morning reports documented Assad's departure, with subsequent confirmation of his arrival in Moscow. Turkish officials maintained coordinated messaging throughout the day, with Justice Minister Tunç, CHP leader Özel, and AKP spokesman Çelik all emphasizing Syria's territorial integrity.

By afternoon, reports emerged of Israeli military movements into Syrian territory, particularly around Mount Hermon and Golan Heights. Turkish forces simultaneously began operations in Manbij, with SMO claiming control of 80% of the city.

Evening brought President Erdoğan's statement about "critical next 2-3 months," while Foreign Minister Fidan conducted consecutive diplomatic calls with counterparts from Czech Republic, Pakistan, and European officials. El Vatan, Assad's primary media outlet, admitted to years of false reporting.
08.12.2024
00:48
01:45
04:17

04:18Damascus Falls As Erdoğan Seeks Assad

The newspapers report extensively on the situation in Damascus, with multiple sources indicating jihadist groups entering the capital (Gerçek Gündem, Birgun, Sabah). President Erdoğan calls for peace in Syria and direct contact with Assad (Hürriyet, Milliyet, Sabah). Meanwhile, severe weather affects western Turkey, with flooding reported in Bodrum and weather warnings issued for six provinces (Sözcü, Yeni Akit).

06:51Damascus Falls As Assad Flees

The newspapers report extensively on jihadist forces taking control of Damascus (Birgun, Cumhuriyet, Medyascope), with claims of Assad leaving the country (Medyascope). Turkey's position regarding Syria's territorial integrity is highlighted (Sabah). Meanwhile, multiple outlets warn of severe weather conditions approaching, with yellow and orange weather alerts issued for several provinces (Hürriyet, Milliyet, Yeni Akit).

08:10Baath Party Falls After Six Decades

The newspapers extensively report on the fall of Damascus, with multiple sources confirming the Baath Party's overthrow after 61 years (Daily Sabah, Birgun, Gerçek Gündem). Assad's whereabouts are unknown, with reports of his prime minister ready to transfer power (Gerçek Gündem, Yeni Akit). Some sources suggest Russian involvement in Assad's departure (Yeni Akit). Celebrations of Assad's fall are reported in Turkey (Milliyet). Separately, two FETÖ suspects were arrested at the Greek border (Hürriyet, Sözcü).

08:57Assad's Reich Crumbles As Damascus Falls

The newspapers extensively report on the fall of Damascus to jihadist forces, marking the end of Assad's 24-year rule (Daily Sabah, Bianet, Aydinlik). Turkish Defense Minister holds talks with US counterpart regarding Syria developments (Milliyet, Sözcü, Sabah). Syrian refugees in Istanbul gather at Fatih Mosque to celebrate Assad's fall (Yeni Akit). Separately, noted film director Şerif Gören has passed away (OdaTV).
09:51

10:09Turkey Moves Into Manbij As Assad Era Ends

The newspapers report extensively on the aftermath of Assad's fall, with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan making statements regarding the situation (Hürriyet, Sabah). Turkish military operations have begun in Manbij (OdaTV), while discussions emerge about the potential return of Syrian refugees (Gerçek Gündem). Weather services issue warnings for snow and rain across multiple provinces (Milliyet).
10:47

11:13Turkish Forces Enter Manbij As Assad Vanishes

The newspapers report on two parallel developments in Syria: Turkish forces beginning operations in Manbij (SMO, Sözcü) and discussions about Assad's whereabouts following Damascus' fall (Bianet, Gerçek Gündem). A notable historical account emerges of Syrian pilot Raghid Al-Tatari, who refused Hafez Assad's orders to bomb Hama (Yeni Akit). Several outlets report on fatal traffic accidents in Ankara and on highways (Hürriyet, Milliyet, OdaTV).
11:43

12:18Russia Confirms Assad's Flight

The newspapers focus heavily on Assad's departure from Syria, with Russian sources confirming he has left the country (Birgun, Cumhuriyet, Gerçek Gündem). New details emerge about Assad's private assets, including a previously undisclosed garage facility (Sözcü). Meanwhile, Turkish forces continue operations in Manbij (SMO). On the domestic front, a building collapse is reported in Gaziantep during demolition work (Milliyet).
13:03

13:29Damascus Celebrates As Assad Flees

The newspapers extensively report on Assad's confirmed departure from Syria, with celebrations in Damascus (Daily Sabah, Birgun, Cumhuriyet). Initial Russian statements regarding the situation have emerged (Cumhuriyet). In domestic news, a 24-person criminal organization was arrested in Ordu and 13 other provinces (Milliyet), while an investigation has been launched into Doğu Perinçek (Sabah, Sözcü).

14:42Syrian Policy Realigns As Assad Era Ends

The newspapers report on developments following Assad's departure, with Turkey's Foreign Policy and Security Advisor Kılıç calling for unity on Syria policy (Hürriyet), while Foreign Minister Fidan discusses potential return of Syrian refugees (Yeni Akit). A criminal investigation has been opened against Doğu Perinçek over Syria-related statements (Gerçek Gündem, Sabah). Ferry services have been suspended due to weather conditions (Sözcü), and an attack on an Atatürk statue is reported (OdaTV).

16:17Turkish Leaders Break Silence on Assad's Fall

The newspapers focus heavily on political reactions to Assad's fall, with CHP leader Özel and Justice Minister Tunç making their first statements (Cumhuriyet, Hürriyet). Israeli territorial expansion following Assad's departure is reported, particularly around Mount Hermon (Birgun, Yeni Akit). Meanwhile, Syrian opposition group HTS leader appears on Syrian state television (Gerçek Gündem), while AKP spokesperson Çelik declares support for all Syrians (Sabah).

17:53Israeli Tanks Roll Into Post-Assad Syria

The newspapers report on Israel's military presence in Syria following Assad's fall, with Israeli tanks spotted in Syrian territory (Aydinlik, Birgun). Several sources discuss territorial expansions by Israel (Yeni Akit, Birgun). In infrastructure news, Transport Minister Uraloğlu announces plans to reduce Ankara-Izmir high-speed rail journey time to 3.5 hours (Sabah), while meteorological warnings are issued for Istanbul (Milliyet).

19:23Assad Surfaces in Moscow

The newspapers report extensively on Assad's current location, with multiple sources confirming his presence in Moscow with his family (Birgun, Cumhuriyet, Gerçek Gündem, Medyascope). El Vatan, Assad's main media outlet, admitted to previous false reporting (Bianet). Israel has reportedly entered Syrian territory (OdaTV, Aydinlik), while domestically, Erdoğan announces new student scholarship amounts for 2025 (Milliyet, Sabah).
19:35
21:34