Islam Online
Damascus
Diplomatic sources in Damascus-Syria have reported that preparations for transferring authority from President Hafez Al-Asad to his son have escalated due to the deterioration of the health of the President. Currently, there is an ongoing process of removing all obstacles that might impede the process of transferring authority to Bashar Al-Asad including popular opposition or security.
Sources have added that one of the steps taken by Bashar is his visits to the provinces, especially his visit to Aleppo the largest Syrian city after Damascus, and his tour and meeting with its people similar to his fathers' visit approximately 30 years ago. In addition to intensifying the campaign not only against the supporters of Rif'at Al-Asad, the brother of the president who opposes the succession of Bashar, but also all other elements and groups who have shown any opposition to Bashar so far. This is why the campaign has not stopped, but it is proceeding in an aggressive manner under accusation by opponents of corruption as well as under other charges. What distinguishes this latest campaign is that it has been so far extremely violent. This has led to many casualties. Same sources have also indicated that the same campaign initiated by the security agencies against Rif'at Al-Aas'd and his supporters, which started two weeks ago, is still occurring and intensifying. Thus campaign has angered even the Alawi sect, the sect the President belongs too, and opposes the succession of Bashar to the presidency fearing that it might hinder their interests. In addition to the Alawi opposition, sources have also mentioned that there is a wide opposition within the government ranks and officials to Bashar. Government sources have admitted for the first time publicly the continuation of the campaign. It has also added that last Wednesday, an illegal port constructed by Rifa't Al-Asad on the Middtrnean Sea, by Alathigya Port was destroyed. For a long time, the port was used for by Rifa't for his personal use, and his own officers and supporters ran it. Other sources mentioned that the destruction process of the port occurred after a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides in which both used heavy weapons.
Other sources in London have reported that relatives of Syrians resides in the city had been called by their relatives in Lathgya and reported heavy exchange of fire between the two sides especially around the compound where Rifa't lives. Rif'ats residence is heavily guarded. They also reported that they believe that tens of people were killed during the confrontation between the two sides.