"Thousands have taken to the streets in the central city, celebrating a new Syria free of al-Assad's reign. Thousands of people have poured into the streets of Syria's central city of Hama to mark one year since forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad were expelled days before the longtime ruler's ouster. The atmosphere in the city long a stronghold of opposition to al-Assad is one of hope and belief in Syria's future, reported Al Jazeera's Assed Baig from Hama's al-Assi Square."
"Baig said today's atmosphere in Hama is markedly different from when he last visited two decades ago. Back then, people would whisper, there was a sense of fear that the wrong word, the wrong sentence, could cause you to end up in trouble, disappeared to the regime forces' prison or maybe even worse, he said. Now people are happy, celebrating, joyous."
Thousands poured into Hama's streets to mark one year since forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad were expelled, with celebrants waving flags, chanting slogans, singing and expressing hope for Syria's future. On December 5, 2024, rebels led by Ahmed al-Sharaa captured Hama in a lightning offensive and days later seized Damascus, ending Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule as he fled to Russia. Hama carries particular weight after a 1982 crackdown by Hafez al-Assad that besieged and bombed the city and led to an estimated 30,000–40,000 deaths. The current atmosphere contrasts sharply with past fear, showing visible public jubilation.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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