Syrians mark 14th anniversary of uprising for first time since Assad's fall

In an unprecedented event, Syrians are marking the 14th anniversary of the protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime for the first time since the overthrow of the Assad family’s rule.

On Saturday, citizens are gathering in the Syrian capital, Damascus, particularly in the Umayyad Square, for the largest celebration since the start of the conflict in 2011, signaling a new phase in the country’s history.

Under the slogan "Syria Wins," activists have called for demonstrations in major cities such as Homs, Idlib, and Hama, symbolizing a significant shift in Syria's political landscape after decades of Assad family rule. One participant shared, “Today, we celebrate victory from the heart of Damascus; it’s a dream come true.”

This commemoration comes this year following the downfall of the Assad regime, which ruled the country for more than half a century.

Security forces were deployed across Umayyad Square in Damascus to ensure the safety and security of citizens during the 14th anniversary of the Syrian revolution.

Cader Al-Sayed, 35, from Idlib, told AFP, “We used to protest in Idlib every year on the anniversary of the revolution, but today, we will celebrate victory from the heart of Damascus. It’s a dream come true.”

In March 2011, amidst the "Arab Spring" uprisings, tens of thousands of Syrians took to the streets demanding the fall of the Assad regime. The government responded with violence, which plunged the country into a devastating conflict with multiple factions involved.

This year’s commemoration is the first since the fall of the Assad regime, which had lasted for nearly half a century. Rebel factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham entered Damascus on December 8th after launching an attack from their stronghold in the northwest in late November.

The head of the group, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, led the new administration and was appointed as the transitional president at the end of January.

Despite the regime’s collapse, the country still faces significant challenges related to living conditions and services, as well as new obstacles related to civil peace.

UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, issued a statement on Friday, saying, “Fourteen years have passed since Syrians took to the streets in peaceful protests demanding dignity, freedom, and a better future.”

He added that Syrians “now deserve a political transition that honors their resilience and quest for justice and dignity,” calling for an immediate end to all acts of violence and protection of civilians in accordance with international law.

Pedersen emphasized the need for "bold steps" to establish a transitional government and draft a new constitution.