SHOTLIST:

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (SEPT. 24, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) (NIGHT SHOTS)

1. VARIOUS OF CROWDS GATHERED AT UMAYYAD SQUARE IN DAMASCUS/
PEOPLE WATCHING SYRIAN PRESIDENT AHMAD AL-SHARAA’S SPEECH ON SCREENS
DAMASCUS, SYRIA - SEPT. 24: Syrians gathered at Umayyad Square in Damascus on Wednesday, Sept. 24, to follow President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s address at the United Nations General Assembly.

It marked the first time in nearly 58 years that a Syrian leader took the podium at the UN General Assembly.

Crowds carrying national flags celebrated after the speech and welcomed Sharaa’s remarks, including his message of thanks to Türkiye and other countries.

Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who this week became the first Syrian head of state to attend and address the UN General Assembly since 1967, met with Rubio on Monday in New York.

Since the ouster of Bashar Assad last December, Syria’s new administration has pursued political and economic reforms while promoting social cohesion and working to expand cooperation with regional and international partners.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia last December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. Sharaa’s new transitional administration was formed in January.