Military parade in Damascus.Image: keystone
December 8, 2025, 3:11 p.mDecember 8, 2025, 3:11 p.m
Hundreds of thousands of people are celebrating the first anniversary of the fall of Assad’s rule in Syria. According to the state news agency Sana, celebrations, military parades and rallies are taking place across the country.
The celebrations continue until the evening. In the capital Damascus, tens of thousands of people have gathered at the central Umayad Square since the early hours of the morning. People celebrate the “first year of liberation” with flags, music and chants. Participants described the day as “historic.”
A military parade was held there in the morning. The highlight of the central event was the public one Appearance of President Ahmed al-Sharaawho appeared in military uniform and watched the military parade from an elevated stand. Al-Sharaa saluted the passing units and, according to state media, paid tribute to the soldiers who took part in the fighting.
“A day like no other”
“This day is like no other in the history of Syria,” said one of those present to the German Press Agency (dpa). The joy of the people is overwhelming. Another participant traveled from Aleppo to watch the military parade. “These fighters – including my son – and the weapons that were presented there are a source of pride for all Syrians,” he said.
Three million Syrians return – UN calls for more help
According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, more than three million displaced Syrians have returned to their homeland since the fall of Syria’s long-term ruler Bashar al-Assad exactly a year ago.
The fall opened a “unique window of hope for peace and stability.”reported the UNHCR from Damascus. However, people urgently needed more support in reconstruction to consolidate stability.
More than 1.2 million people have returned, mainly from neighboring countries, More than 1.9 million internally displaced people are now living back in their home villages. Many other people expressed their wish to return soon. But you need perspectives.
This used to be a statue of the dictator Hafez al-Assad.Image: keystone
The United Nations is helping, among other things, to rebuild houses and infrastructure. After 14 years of fighting, many schools, hospitals and water supplies are still lying idle. According to UNHCR, unexploded ammunition residues also pose a great danger.
It is the responsibility of the new Syrian government to create security and an environment so that more people can return, the UNHCR said. However, the international community must support this financially. Of the 1.5 billion US dollars that the UNHCR had budgeted for return assistance this year, only a third has been raised so far.
A year ago, long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by a rebel alliance. This ended the Assad family’s more than 50-year rule over Syria. (rbu/sda/dpa)