A rebel fighter stands near a tunnel, weapon in hand, inside a damaged house in Menagh, north of Aleppo, Syria, on December 2, 2024. — Reuters
Syrian rescuers searched a jail infamous for the worst atrocities under ousted president Bashar Al Assad's rule, as people in the capital gathered in a central square on Monday to celebrate their country's newfound freedom. Assad fled the country as Islamist-led rebels captured the capital, marking the end of his clan's five-decade reign over a nation devastated by one of the century's deadliest wars. He had overseen a brutal crackdown on a 2011 democracy movement, igniting a conflict that claimed 500,000 lives and displaced half the population. The core of Assad's inherited regime from his father Hafez was a network of prisons and detention centers used to suppress dissent. On Monday, the Syrian White Helmets reported searching for hidden doors or basements in Saydnaya prison, hoping to find any remaining detainees.
While Syria has been embroiled in war for 13 years, the government's collapse occurred swiftly, thanks to a rapid offensive by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS). Rooted in Syria's Al Qaeda branch, HTS is designated a terrorist group by Western governments. Despite uncertainties about HTS's future operations, the group has attempted to moderate its image and reassure Syria's religious minorities. In central Damascus, despite future uncertainties, the atmosphere was one of jubilation.
During the November 27 offensive, rebels seized city after city from Assad's control, liberating thousands from prisons, many held on political charges. Social media was abuzz with Syrians sharing images of detainees, in a collective effort to reunite families. Others, like Fadwa Mahmoud, whose husband and son are missing, appealed for help in finding their loved ones.
US President Joe Biden called for Assad's accountability, viewing his downfall as a historic opportunity for Syria. However, he cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance would be scrutinized. Amnesty International and the UN rights chief also called for justice for rights violations.
The future of Assad's accountability remains unclear, especially after Russia's refusal to confirm reports of his flight to Moscow. Meanwhile, Iran and Turkey expressed expectations for continued relations with the new Syrian authorities.
As Syria's war began with grassroots democracy protests, it evolved to involve militants and foreign powers. Israel's intervention in a buffer zone and overnight strikes by Israel and Turkey further complicate the situation.
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