In a Facebook post, former Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine El Othmani celebrated the fall of the Syrian regime. «Thank God this was achieved without bloodshed among the Syrian people, who deserve everything good», he wrote, adding, «This is the end of every oppressor, no matter how long they ruled». He also wished the Syrian people «stability, the establishment of strong institutions, and a prosperous state». Othmani called the event «a great historical moment» that came 11 days after the Syrian opposition launched Operation Deterrence of Aggression. Just days ago, the Syrian armed opposition initiated the «Deterrence of Aggression» campaign in the country's north, swiftly taking control of cities and towns before reaching the capital, Damascus. Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, where he was granted asylum. Othmani is known for his support of the Syrian opposition, aligning with the Kingdom's position since 2011 in demanding the departure of Bashar al-Assad. In August 2012, while serving as foreign minister in Abdelilah Benkirane's first government, he urged the Security Council to support the Syrian people rebelling against Assad. This plea was met with resistance from the Syrian envoy to the Council, who responded by referencing the Western Sahara conflict and calling for the «rights of the Saharan people» to be addressed.
