SHOTLIST:

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (NOV. 28, 2025) (ANADOLU – ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF DEMONSTRATORS CARRYING SYRIAN FLAGS, CHANTING SLOGANS, CELEBRATING FALL OF ASSAD REGIME IN UMMAYAD SQUARE
DAMASCUS, SYRIA - NOV. 28, 2025: Thousands of people across Syria held rallies on Friday to mark the first anniversary of the launch of a military operation that led to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Demonstrators filled central squares in cities nationwide, emphasizing national unity and the country’s territorial integrity.

In capital Damascus, large crowds gathered in Ummayad Square, waving Syrian flags and chanting slogans calling for a united and democratic future. Protesters carried signs rejecting division and separatist agendas, underscoring the need to safeguard Syria’s social cohesion.

Participants said the gatherings aimed to highlight the importance of protecting Syria’s territorial unity and strengthening collective solidarity after more than a decade of war.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa congratulated the Syrian people Thursday on the anniversary of the military campaign, inviting citizens to celebrate what he called a “historic victory.”

In a statement published on the presidency’s social media account, Sharaa described the day as “the beginning of the struggle that liberated all of Syria” and urged the public to celebrate the anniversary with enthusiasm.

“Dear people of Syria, today we mark the anniversary of the great deterrence war in which the former regime, with all its oppressive structures, was overthrown and our country was freed from its chains,” he said.

Calling on all segments of society, regardless of ethnic or religious differences, to gather in public squares, Sharaa urged Syrians to “demonstrate their commitment to the great struggle for freedom and show strong national unity.”

“On this great occasion, I invite all components of the Syrian people to take to the squares and streets to express the joy of this great victory and to demonstrate national solidarity, national unity, the territorial integrity of Syria, and the unity of the homeland. Long live free Syria," he added.

Opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a major offensive from Idlib into Aleppo province, which was under the control of the Assad regime at the time. The surprise operation resulted in the rapid capture of Aleppo and ultimately the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024.