Hama celebrates one year since Assad's fall amid ongoing violence

Hama marks anniversary of Assad's ouster

Thousands poured into Hama’s al‑Assi Square to mark one year since forces loyal to Bashar al‑Assad were expelled from the central city. Residents waved flags, chanted and sang in an atmosphere Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig described as full of “hope and belief.” The celebrations follow a lightning rebel offensive led by now‑President Ahmed al‑Sharaa that captured Hama on December 5, 2024, and seized Damascus days later, prompting al‑Assad to flee to Russia. The scene in Hama has particular resonance given the brutal 1982 crackdown by Hafez al‑Assad’s forces, which rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands.

Al‑Sharaa — a former militant leader who has since pursued diplomatic rehabilitation — is serving a five‑year transitional presidency, restoring ties with capitals from the Gulf to Europe and winning sanctions relief, including hosting a UN Security Council delegation and addressing the UN General Assembly. But analysts warn the transition remains fragile: sectarian reprisals have exacted heavy tolls in Alawite and Druze areas, monitors report thousands killed in separate waves of violence, and Israel continues strikes inside Syria, including a recent raid in Beit Jinn that killed at least 13 people, among them children. Observers say international rehabilitation offers opportunities but not guarantees of safety for all Syrians; in Hama, residents voiced hope the new government can deliver unity and freedom for all, as reported by Al Jazeera.

This story has also been reported by: New York Times