After decades, Syria reclaims its embassy in Washington

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani solemnly hoisted the flag of the Syrian Arab Republic over the country’s embassy building in Washington, symbolising Syria’s return to the U.S. capital after decades of absence.

According to Caliber.Az, Al-Shaibani shared the moment on his social media page, writing:

"After decades of absence, today the flag of the Syrian Arab Republic is flying high above our embassy in Washington. It is with pride and honour that I represent a people that has endured and a homeland that has not been broken. Syria is returning."

بعد عقود من الغياب، يُرفع اليوم علم الجمهورية العربية السورية عاليا فوق سفارتنا في واشنطن.
بمشاعر الفخر والاعتزاز، أمثّل شعبا صمد، ووطنا لم ينكسر.
سوريا تعود… pic.twitter.com/bGKst5vuQI

— أسعد حسن الشيباني (@AsaadHShaibani) September 19, 2025

The flag, featuring green, white, and black stripes with three red stars, was officially adopted by Syria’s new government following Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to power.

Syria has undergone profound political changes since late 2024. In November of that year, opposition forces launched a major offensive against government positions, culminating on December 8 when rebels entered Damascus. This prompted President Bashar al-Assad to resign and flee the country, paving the way for Vice President Ahmed al-Sharaa to assume de facto leadership.

On January 29, 2025, al-Sharaa formally declared himself acting president of Syria, initiating a transitional period expected to last four to five years.

By Tamilla Hasanova