As opposition forces take control of Damascus and prepare to establish an interim government, reactions from the Maldives have been mixed, reflecting personal and political connections to Syria.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the Maldives for three decades, expressed profound sympathy for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country amid the offensive. In a post on X, Maumoon stated: "Saddened to know that President Bashar al-Assad had to leave the country. I wish peace and prosperity for the friendly people of Syria." Maumoon maintained close ties with Syria during his tenure, further deepening his sentiments regarding the situation.

In contrast, the Maldives’ current Minister of Construction, Dr. Muththalib, initially expressed support for the Syrian opposition forces. In a now-deleted post on X, he wrote: "Our Syrian brothers and sisters have suffered for so long. May Allah make this the beginning of an era of peace and prosperity." The post was removed minutes after it was published, sparking speculation regarding the reasons behind the withdrawal.

The opposition offensive in Syria, led by Tahrir al-Sham, has also drawn attention to Maldivian connections. Reports indicate that jihadi fighters from the Maldives are part of the group, which has intensified concerns about the nation’s links to foreign conflicts.

While some in the Maldives sympathize with Assad's plight, others view the developments as a step toward ending the suffering of the Syrian people. The contrasting reactions highlight differing perspectives on governance, democracy, and international solidarity within the Maldives.