On Monday, December 9, Syrians filled Damascus’ main square, celebrating what many believe marks a historic turning point in their country’s tumultuous journey: the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Assad’s departure to Russia on Sunday, December 8, followed a swift and decisive offensive by Islamist rebels, signaling the collapse of his family’s five-decade hold on power in Syria.
At Umayyad Square, the atmosphere was electric. Jubilant crowds, including rebel fighters who had imposed a curfew on the city, waved flags, honked car horns, and cheered. Some rebels even fired celebratory shots into the air, adding to the sense of euphoria.
“It’s indescribable, we never imagined this nightmare would end. We feel reborn,” said Rim Ramadan, a 49-year-old finance ministry employee. “For 55 years, we lived in fear even in our own homes, whispering as though the walls had ears. Today, it feels like we’re living in a dream.”
Yet, not all areas of the city shared the same celebratory mood. In some neighborhoods, the streets remained unusually quiet as residents stayed cautious, aware of the uncertain future following the regime’s fall.
The end of Assad’s reign comes after a brutal 14-year civil war, which began with violent repression of pro-democracy protests. The war left over 500,000 dead, displaced millions, and forced countless Syrians to seek refuge abroad.
Assad inherited an authoritarian regime from his father, Hafez al-Assad, built on crushing dissent. Despite years of protests and rebellion, Assad clung to power, bolstered by unwavering support from Russia and Iran.
On November 27, a coalition of rebel forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a fierce offensive, quickly capturing cities like Aleppo, Hama, Daraa, and Homs. Their march culminated in Damascus, signaling the final collapse of Assad’s military and security forces and the end of the Baath Party’s rule over Syria.
Similar scenes of celebration unfolded across Syria, particularly in Homs, where residents flashed victory signs and expressed immense relief after enduring years of fear and repression. Syrians living abroad also joined in the festivities, gathering in places like northern Lebanon and Istanbul to celebrate the end of Assad’s rule.
For many, this moment represents more than just the fall of a dictator. It’s the beginning of a long-awaited chapter of hope, renewal, and the rebuilding of a nation shattered by years of war.
