DAMASCUS: Saudi Arabia has sent its first aid plane to Damascus as part of an ongoing relief airlift aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Syria following the recent collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The aircraft, which arrived on Wednesday, is carrying essential supplies, including medical, food, and shelter provisions, to support the Syrian population during this critical period.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Saudi aid plane landed at Damascus airport early Wednesday morning. The relief effort is being spearheaded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, which is coordinating the airlift to Syria. This initiative marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of humanitarian efforts to stabilize the region after the political upheaval.

The fall of the Assad regime, which had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, occurred on December 8 when anti-regime groups took control of Damascus. This marked the end of the Baath Party's reign, which had been in power since 1963. The regime's downfall was precipitated by a rapid offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters, who captured key cities in a matter of weeks.

Assad, who had been the country's leader, sought refuge in Russia following the regime's collapse. The situation in Syria remains volatile, and the international community is closely monitoring developments while providing aid to ease the humanitarian crisis.