Syrians gathered in the heart of Damascus on Monday, celebrating what many view as a long-awaited new chapter in their nation’s history after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
Following a swift offensive led by Islamist rebels, Assad fled to Russia on Sunday, ending over five decades of control by his family.
At Umayyad Square, people expressed their joy and relief after experiencing years of repression, with some openly celebrating in the streets.
Rim Ramadan, a 49-year-old civil servant, described the moment as “indescribable,” saying, “We never thought this nightmare would end. We are reborn.” For many, this marks the end of an era of fear and silence under Assad’s regime.
The fall of Assad follows a brutal civil war that has lasted 14 years, claiming over 500,000 lives and displacing millions. The Assad regime, which ruled through fear, relied on alliances with Russia and Iran to stay in power despite years of protests and armed rebellion.
On November 27, a rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a successful campaign that overtook city after city, eventually leading to the fall of Damascus.
The takeover marks the collapse of Assad’s government and the end of Baath party rule in Syria.
