The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has marked a momentous shift in Syria’s history, sparking an outpouring of joy and relief across the nation.
Streets in Damascus and other cities have transformed into stages of celebration as jubilant Syrians commemorate the end of five decades of authoritarian rule.
Amidst the victory rallies and emotional reunions, a somber undercurrent lingers, reminding the nation of the immense cost of its revolution.
Syrians celebrates fall of Assad in Damascus
In the heart of Damascus, thousands of Syrians flooded the iconic Umayyad Mosque for prayers before rallying in the nearby Umayyad Square. The atmosphere was electric, with speakers blaring revolutionary songs and slogans.
People waved the flag of the Syrian opposition, symbolizing freedom and hope for a new Syria. The slogan “Raise your head high, you are Syrian” resonated through the square as music and chants filled the air.
Leading the celebrations were members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist rebel group that played a crucial role in the armed uprising.
Read : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Family Safely Landed in Moscow
Clad in combat gear, some HTS fighters mingled with civilians, posing for photos and reciting poetry that expressed their love for the nation. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, called on Syrians to take to the streets to celebrate the “victory of the blessed revolution.”
Unbelievable magnitude of celebration 🎉 in #Syria with the fall of the terrorist #Assad regime.
— Syrian Lisan al-Gaib ⚔️ (@SyriaPsychology) December 8, 2024
Remember, they wanted you to think that the rebels were a fringe minority and hated by the people.
Does this look like #Assad was popular in #Syria to you?
You be the judge! pic.twitter.com/Kg3P6S9YgB
Participants like Sara al-Zobi, a university student originally from Deraa, expressed their joy and optimism for Syria’s future. “We are gathering because we’re happy Syria has been freed, we’re happy to have been liberated from the prison in which we lived,” said another participant, Nour Thi al-Ghina.
Uncovering the Regime’s Dark Legacy
While the streets erupted in celebrations, others faced grim reminders of the Assad regime’s brutal rule. Families of the disappeared gathered at mortuaries, searching for the bodies of loved ones who vanished over the past decade in the regime’s notorious prisons. In central Damascus, bodies transferred from Saydnaya Prison, infamously known as a “human slaughterhouse,” lay in bags.
Forensic expert Aslan Ibrahim described the harrowing condition of the bodies: “All of the bodies had clear signs of malnourishment, they were so skinny.” Some bore signs of torture, with broken limbs and bruises marking their final moments of suffering. The discoveries at Saydnaya and other detention centers underscored the inhumane treatment endured by thousands under Assad’s rule.
The collapse of the regime has exposed the sprawling network of intelligence agencies that perpetuated a climate of fear for decades. In the Kafr Sousa district of Damascus, the state security headquarters revealed tiny cells where detainees were tortured and interrogated. Dark stains on the filthy walls testified to the horrors that unfolded just beneath the surface of the bustling streets.
Nearby, the General Intelligence Directorate held mountains of records documenting the regime’s surveillance and oppression. Piles of notebooks, paper files, and data storage units were uncovered, highlighting the meticulous efforts of Assad’s intelligence network to monitor and suppress opposition movements.
A New Chapter for Syria
As Syrians celebrate the fall of Assad, the nation stands at a crossroads, poised to rebuild and heal after years of conflict and suffering. The euphoria in the streets reflects a collective hope for a brighter future, one that prioritizes freedom, justice, and unity. Activists and civilians alike have expressed a commitment to moving forward hand-in-hand, working together to restore their homeland.
The victory rallies and public displays of joy are a testament to the resilience and determination of the Syrian people. Yet, the work of rebuilding the nation will require addressing the deep scars left by years of war and authoritarian rule.
From uncovering the truth about those who vanished in the regime’s prisons to dismantling the remnants of its oppressive infrastructure, Syria faces a long and challenging road ahead.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad marks the end of an era defined by fear and repression. For Syrians, this moment represents a chance to reclaim their country and shape its future. While challenges remain, the spirit of unity and determination displayed in these celebrations offers hope for a new chapter in Syria’s history.