One year after sweeping into Damascus and ending the Assad familyโ€™s half-century dictatorial rule, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged Syrians on Monday to close ranks, rebuild broken institutions and โ€œshape a future worthy of their sacrifices,โ€ as the country marked the anniversary of a revolt that reshaped the Middle Eastโ€™s political map.

The anniversary carried a mix of pride, apprehension and unfinished business.

Crowds flooded Umayyad Square for parades and celebrations, while soldiers lined the capitalโ€™s historic avenues โ€“ scenes unimaginable before Sharaaโ€™s coalition launched its lightning offensive last November, culminating in the fall of Damascus on Dec. 8.

People wave Syrian flags as they celebrate a year since the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, Damascus, Syria, Dec. 8, 2025.

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