Rescuers scoured the notorious Saydnaya prison on Monday, searching for detainees potentially trapped in secret chambers, as Syrians in Damascus celebrated the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s 50-year family dynasty.
Assad fled the country after Islamist-led rebels, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a swift offensive that toppled his regime, marking the end of a brutal conflict that has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions since its outbreak in 2011.
Search for the Missing
In the wake of Assad’s downfall, focus turned to the victims of his regime’s notorious prison network. The White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense group, conducted a search at Saydnaya prison, infamous for systemic torture and disappearances.
“We are working with all our energy to reach a new hope, and we must be prepared for the worst,” the White Helmets said in a statement.
Aida Taha, 65, desperately searched for her brother, detained in 2012. “The prison has three or four underground floors,” she said, lamenting that locked doors required specific codes to open. “We’ve been oppressed long enough. We want our children back,” Taha added.
Scenes of Joy in Damascus
In central Damascus, citizens gathered in celebration, filling the air with honking horns and gunfire.
“It’s indescribable. We never thought this nightmare would end. We feel reborn,” said Rim Ramadan, a 49-year-old civil servant. “For 55 years, we were too scared to speak freely—even at home. Now, it feels like we’re living a dream.”
The swift collapse of the regime saw prisons opened across the country, freeing thousands detained on political charges. Social media buzzed with posts of reunions, as families shared images and searched for loved ones long missing.
Global Reactions
U.S. President Joe Biden called Assad’s ouster a “historic opportunity” but warned against hardline elements within the victorious rebel alliance.
“Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses,” Biden said, adding that their actions would be scrutinized despite recent pledges of moderation.
Amnesty International echoed this sentiment, urging justice for past atrocities. “Any political transition must ensure accountability for perpetrators of serious violations,” said Agnes Callamard, the organization’s chief.
The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, emphasized the need to break from the violence of the past, stating, “Those responsible must face justice.”
Assad’s Whereabouts Unclear
Assad’s location remains unknown. Russian officials declined to confirm reports that he had fled to Moscow, while the Syrian embassy in Russia raised the opposition’s flag.
Russia, a staunch ally of Assad during the conflict, stated it would review the status of its military bases with Syria’s new authorities. Meanwhile, Iran expressed optimism for continued “friendly ties” with Syria.
Uncertain Future
While Syrians celebrate the end of Assad’s regime, questions remain about the country’s future.
“This is not just about Assad falling; it’s about what comes next,” said Aron Lund, a specialist at the Century International think tank.
Amid celebrations, concerns grow over extremist factions within the rebel coalition and regional instability. A Turkish drone strike in a Kurdish-held region killed 11 civilians, including six children, underscoring the fragility of Syria’s transition.
For now, the streets of Damascus echo with a sense of newfound hope as Syrians look to rebuild after years of devastation.
