Syrian Capital Residents Describe Anxious Night and Celebrations Following Reports of Assad’s Ouster

Damascus inhabitants described a night of apprehension as they awaited updates regarding developments in Syria’s capital. Following multiple hours of reports indicating the rebels’ advance, the forces announced Damascus “free” from the control of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad during the early hours of Sunday. Unconfirmed videos shared across social media platforms depict individuals celebrating in the streets and greeting rebel combatants, alongside prisoners being released from the infamous Saydnaya prison. Rania Kataf, who manages the Humans of Damascus Facebook page, stated, “No-one slept in Syria last night… no Syrian abroad slept.” She added, “The whole community was holding their phones waiting for the final news.” Kataf expressed her feelings: “How do I feel? Overwhelmed.. We all feel like we’ve been under water, literally, for thirteen years, and we all just took a breath.” She further remarked, “And I know that there are so many people who are much older than me who have been through too much.” Kataf mentioned experiencing “mixed feelings” since the commencement of the rebel groups’ offensive, but affirmed that her fear had subsided. She recalled that previously she had been “scared of sharing an opinion I was so scared of even putting a like, putting a heart on someone from the opposition.” Danny Makki, a journalist residing in Damascus, recounted the events witnessed on Sunday morning in Umayyad Square, an area housing significant government bodies such as the Ministry of Defence and the Syrian Armed Forces. He observed, “People were firing guns into the air, people were dancing, taking photos and crying.” Makki stated, “I spoke to soldiers from the militia. One said he had been preparing for this for a long time.” He continued, “He wasn’t taking part in the offensive in Aleppo, but when he saw the rebels arrive on the outskirts of Damascus, that’s when he took up arms.” Makki reported that some rebel combatants were utilizing abandoned vehicles belonging to the Syrian army. He recounted, “When I was driving around Damascus, I saw the Syrian army walking in civilian clothes on the road, not knowing where to go.” Despite the ongoing celebrations, he noted that the populace’s primary worry was security, specifically “making sure there is no infighting within the opposition ranks.” An additional Damascus resident, who requested anonymity, informed the BBC: “For the very first time, there is a true feeling of freedom.” The resident elaborated, “What we’re feeling really resembles what we felt during the revolution when it began in 2011. This is the continuation of a dream that had started that year.” He acknowledged that Syrians harbor fear and concern for the future, yet asserted that “today, all the Syrian people will only celebrate.” In the southern city of Deraa, Yazan Al Amari operates a small phone shop, a location where civilian militias associated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have already established control. He informed the BBC of his plans to travel with friends to the Syrian capital today for celebrations. Al Amari recounted, “When we woke up and saw the news, at first we couldn’t comprehend or fully grasp it at all. People were very scared of rumours.” He continued, “But when we realised it was actually true, we got in our cars, and now we are on our way to Damascus to celebrate.” “People felt like they were in a dream,” he stated, adding, “You could see people crying. We were very afraid until today.” Al Amari noted that this marks the first occasion in numerous years he has been able to speak without restraint. He explained, “I used to be unable to leave my small town or move freely at all. But now, I can go wherever I want.” However, a significant number of individuals express apprehension regarding the uncertainties of the future. A Syrian man residing in London conveyed his concerns for his family, who live in Syria’s coastal region. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “We are Eastern Orthodox Christians, I am afraid my family will be slaughtered.” He added, “Everybody is in a panic mode. They are trying to find a way out of the country.” His family is preparing to depart Syria, but the borders with Lebanon and Jordan are currently shut. He explained, “Bags are packed, we are just waiting to see if any of the airports would open a flight to any surrounding country. Or if the land borders would allow any special groups to leave Syria.” He asserted, “It is a fact that people are celebrating out of fear.” He elaborated, “They are celebrating because they are afraid they’ll be slaughtered if they don’t pretend to be excited. On one hand, we are all glad the regime is gone, on the other hand, we don’t know the outcome of the alternative government. After all, this rebel group is an offshoot of al-Qaeda.” Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group that has seized control of significant portions of the nation, has declared that Christians are secure. He concluded, “We just don’t know how true this statement is.” Additional reporting was provided by Wietske Burema. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.