DAMASCUS— Syrians on Friday marked the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime as President Ahmad al-Sharaa called on citizens to trust his leadership and join efforts to rebuild the war-torn country.
Speaking at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, al-Sharaa appealed for unity and framed his leadership as guided by faith.
“O Syrians, obey me as long as I obey Allah in your affairs,” he said. “By Allah, no one, no matter how powerful or influential, will be able to stand in our way.”
Al-Sharaa said his government is committed to overcoming the challenges facing the country after years of conflict.
“No obstacle will stop us. Together, we will face all challenges, God willing,” he said.
He prayed for stability and reconstruction, adding that the government aims to rebuild Syria “from north to south, east to west.”
“We ask God to protect this country, help us serve it and assist us in serving the Syrian people,” he said. “We will restore Syria as a strong nation, honor its heritage, support the oppressed and ensure justice among the people.”
The anniversary marks one year since opposition groups seized Damascus on Dec. 8, 2024, prompting Assad to flee to Russia. His departure ended 54 years of Assad family rule, which began when Hafez Assad took power in 1970 and continued under his son Bashar from 2000.
Al-Sharaa’s administration now faces the task of rebuilding institutions, restoring essential services and addressing widespread humanitarian needs. Public gatherings and prayers were held across the country Friday to commemorate the milestone.