Russian Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed Assad's presence in Russia, while Mohammad Al-Bashir announced his interim leadership of Syria until March 2025. Israeli forces reported completing 480 strikes across Syria within 48 hours, targeting military infrastructure including the Damascus Scientific Research Center.
Lebanese Army reported armed individuals crossing from Syria, while Speaker Berri maintained the January 9 presidential election date. Nine Lebanese detainees returned from Syrian prisons, prompting formation of crisis committee. Bassil declared Syrian displacement cause "completely eliminated."
By evening, U.S. State Department announced no immediate plans to reopen Damascus embassy, while Netanyahu expressed interest in relations with Syria's new regime conditional on preventing Iranian presence. The EU voiced concerns about sectarian violence risks, as opposition forces reportedly conducted uncontrolled executions in liberated areas.