Syrians marked the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and his iron-fisted rule on Monday, as the fractured nation struggles to find stability and recover after years of war.

Official celebrations are planned for the central Umayyad Square in Damascus, which has been packed with jubilant gatherings ahead of December 8, and in other parts of the country. Military parades are also expected.

Assad fled Syria for Russia a year ago as rebels commanded by Syria‘s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seized Damascus and ended his rule, more than 13 years into a war that spiraled out of an uprising against Assad.

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Sharaa marked the occasion by performing dawn prayers at Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque,

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