Celebrations broke out across Syria on Wednesday evening following the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the new administration in Syria, as the country’s transitional president.
In Damascus, Umayyad Square, the largest square in the capital, saw a large gathering celebrating Mr al-Sharaa’s appointment.
Attendees were seen waving Syrian flags and chanting slogans supporting Mr al-Sharaa and opposing the long-time rule of toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad.
“Hundreds of cars roamed the neighbourhoods of the capital, waving the Syrian flag in a joyful and celebratory atmosphere,’’ said Ziad Ali, who participated in a car parade in Damascus.
“Everyone in the neighbourhood exchanged congratulations on social media, and hundreds came out to Baramkeh Square to celebrate, performing dabke dances despite the cold weather,’’ Mr Ali, a resident of Baramkeh said.
In Jdeidet Artouz town, west of Damascus, hundreds of residents took to the streets, both on foot and in cars, following the announcement by the ‘Military Operations Administration’ of Mr al-Sharaa’s appointment as transitional president.
Mustafa Abdullah, from Raqqa province, carried the Syrian flag while chanting, “Raise your head high, you’re a free Syrian, we’ll crush them, crush the Assad family.’’
“We urge President al-Sharaa to work on liberating the provinces of Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor, and expelling the SDF forces occupying the Jazira region.
“Celebrations are also underway in these areas, as they are part of Syria, and we will never accept their division,’’ Mr Abdullah said.
In the evening, roads looked deserted in Damascus as Syrians eagerly awaited the “victory speech’’ from Mr al-Sharaa.
Judge Abdullah Saad, speaking from Aleppo, said, “Today’s decisions to dissolve the army, security agencies, and parliament, and suspend the 2012 Constitution, are natural outcomes of the revolutionary factions taking control of governance.’’
Mr Saad added, “The celebrations currently sweeping all Syrian cities are a testament to the legitimacy given to Ahmed al-Sharaa.
“This aligns with the decision of revolutionary faction leaders to appoint al-Sharaa as president, from whom we expect significant contributions to serve the country.’’
