Southern Syria Celebrates as Rebel Forces Topple Assad Regime

Mass rallies have erupted in Sweida, a city near Syria’s southern border with Jordan, marking the first Friday since rebel forces seized control, ending President Bashar al-Assad’s 13-year rule. Crowds of jubilant Syrians filled the streets, waving opposition flags and chanting revolutionary songs reminiscent of the 2011 protests that ignited the country’s civil war.

The atmosphere was both festive and reflective, with some participants dressed in costumes, such as one attendee in a Spongebob Squarepants outfit, standing alongside heavily armed fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Islamist group played a pivotal role in Assad’s downfall and maintains a visible presence at the celebrations.

Today’s rallies follow Friday prayers at the historic Umayyad Mosque, where Syria’s interim prime minister, Mohammad al-Bashir, addressed worshippers. Al-Bashir, who has been thrust into leadership amid the sweeping changes, was warmly received by the crowd as he called for unity and pledged to steer the country toward peace and reconstruction.

Sweida, a city known for its majority Druze population, has long been a hotspot for dissent against Assad’s government. Its streets now reflect a sense of renewal, with demonstrators expressing hope for a brighter future under the newly formed leadership.

The toppling of the Assad regime marks a seismic shift in Syria’s political landscape, bringing an end to years of war and oppression. However, challenges remain, as factions within the opposition must now navigate the complexities of governance and ensure stability in the war-torn nation.