Residents in Damascus reported a tense anticipation for updates regarding the events unfolding in Syria’s capital city overnight.
In the early hours of Sunday, following hours of escalating reports regarding the advancing rebels, forces proclaimed Damascus “free” from the long-standing rule of Bashar al-Assad.
Unverified videos that have emerged on social media depict scenes of jubilation in the streets, with crowds welcoming rebel fighters, alongside footage of inmates being released from the infamous Saydnaya prison.
“No one slept in Syria last night… no Syrian abroad slept,” stated Rania Kataf, the operator of the Humans of Damascus Facebook page.
“The entire community gathered, phones in hand, eagerly anticipating the final announcement.”What are my emotions at this moment? Feeling overwhelmed. After thirteen long years, we have finally emerged from a suffocating struggle, taking a much-needed breath of about the ident groups’ offensive since tiny ind, munificently older than me, have endured a great deal.”
She expressed having “mixed feelings” since the onset of the offensive by rebel groups, yet stated that she no longer felt fear.
She recounted when she felt apprehensive about expressing her views, admitting, “I was so scared of even putting alike, putting a heart on someone from the opposition.”
A resident of Damascus, speaking on the condition of anonymity, shared. “For the very first time, there is a true feeling of freedom.”
He reported on the festivities in the streets and at Umayyad Square, a significant site in the centre of Damascus, which houses essential government institutions, including the Ministry of Defence and the Syrian Armed Forces.
In the heart of Umayyad Square, a serene celebration unfolds as people gather in harmony. Fireworks are being shot into the night sky. “While we are hearing some gunshots, it’s primarily fireworks,” the resident remarked.
Many are experiencing emotions that closely mirror those felt at the onset of the revolution in 2011. The narrative unfolds as a continuation of a dream that began that year.
He stated that Syrians are experiencing fear and concern regarding the future, yet he emphasised, “Today, all the Syrian people will only celebrate.”
In Deraa, a city located south of Damascus, Yazan Al Amari operates a modest phone shop amidst a landscape where civilian militias linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have established dominance.
He informed the BBC that he is coming to the Syrian capital today, accompanied by friends, to partake in celebrations.
Upon waking up and encountering the news, we found ourselves struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. A significant shift occurred amid a climate of fear fuelled by rampant rumours. “But when we confirmed the truth, we quickly got into our cars, and now we are en route to Damascus to celebrate,” one individual remarked.
“Individuals experienced a sensation akin to being in a dream,” he stated.
Emotions ran high as individuals were visibly in tears. Fear gripped us until today.
Al Amari has expressed that this marks the first occasion in several years where he feels he can speak openly.
“In the past, I found myself constrained within the limits of my small town, unable to move freely.” “But now, I have the freedom to go wherever I want,” he stated.
A Syrian man residing in London expressed his concerns for his family, who live in the coastal region of Syria.
“We are Eastern Orthodox Christians, and I fear for the safety of my family,” the man, who requested anonymity, stated.
The populace is feeling a palpable sense of panic. Efforts are underway to locate an escape route from the country.
As his family prepares to depart from Syria, they face a significant hurdle: the borders with Lebanon and Jordan remain closed.
With bags packed and ready to go, the only thing left to do is monitor the situation regarding flight availability to nearby countries. “Or if the land borders would permit any specific groups to exit Syria,” he stated.
“He stated that the celebrations are driven by fear.” “The celebration appears to be driven by a palpable fear, as individuals seem compelled to feign excitement to avoid potential repercussions.” The regime’s departure has elicited a sense of relief among many; however, uncertainty looms regarding the future of the alternative government that has taken its place. This rebel group is, in fact, an offshoot of al-Qaeda.
The organisation that has seized significant territories within the nation, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has declared that Christians are secure.
“The veracity of this statement remains uncertain,” he remarked.
