With Assad’s ouster, North Korea loses a key partner in the Middle East | NK News
NK News Logo
January 15, 2025

NK News is hiring

Analysis

With Assad’s ouster, North Korea loses a key partner in the Middle East

Fall of Damascus to rebels could derail ties and shows dangers of depending on Russia, further justifying self-reliance

The fall of Damascus over the weekend brought a dramatic end to the Bashar Assad regime’s 24-year rule over Syria — and now deprives North Korea of one of its most important partners in the Middle East.

Rebel groups led by the armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of the capital on Sunday after sweeping through the country in less than two weeks, with the Syrian leader reportedly fleeing to Russia aboard a private jet.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.