Hafez al-Assad's grave opened, remains missing
Following Bashar al-Assad's departure from Syria, the grave of his father, Hafez al-Assad, was opened by unidentified individuals. Footage circulating on social media shows the grave is empty, with claims that the remains have been stolen.
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As the civil war in Syria enters its 14th year, striking developments are taking place in the country. While it has been claimed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad left the country following Damascus falling under the control of radical armed groups, a striking claim has now emerged regarding the grave of former President Hafez al-Assad, who passed away in 2000.
HAFEZ AL-ASSAD'S GRAVE OPENED
According to footage shared on social media, the mausoleum located in the Qardaha district of the Latakia countryside, the birthplace of Hafez al-Assad, was opened by unidentified individuals. The footage shows that the grave is empty and the bones are not in place. According to the claims, the grave was targeted shortly after December 8, when it was alleged that Assad fled Syria.
REMAINS IN THE GRAVE HAVE DISAPPEARED
While the identities of the attackers have not yet been determined, it was stated that the remains in the grave were removed and the burial site was severely damaged.
Just days before this incident, on December 13, another attack was carried out on the same grave. Hafez al-Assad's grave was set on fire during the night, and the resulting blaze quickly damaged the surrounding structure. No group or organization has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Hafez al-Assad came to power in 1970 and ruled Syria with an iron fist for 30 years. He passed away on June 10, 2000, at the age of 70 following a heart attack, and was succeeded by his son, Bashar al-Assad.