Thousands of Syrians have flooded the streets of Damascus and other cities to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
In the capital, people gathered at the iconic Umayyad Mosque for prayers before joining jubilant rallies organized by Islamist rebels who led the armed uprising against Assad.
Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, urged Syrians to “express their joy” on Friday, marking “the victory of the blessed revolution.” Assad fled to Russia on Sunday as the regime, established by his father 50 years ago, collapsed within a few tumultuous days.
In Damascus’s Umayyad Square, the atmosphere was festive. Speakers blared music, including the song “Raise your head high, you are Syrian.” People waved the flag of the Syrian opposition and chanted revolutionary songs and slogans.
Among the celebrants were men in black combat gear, wearing body armor and carrying guns. These were members of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Some paused for pictures with civilians, and one of them read poetry he had written praising the country.
