Syrians are celebrating the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al Assad with military parades - and a fresh promise to rebuild the country.

The former Syrian leader was toppled when rebels, commanded by Syria's new president, Ahmed al Sharaa, seized Damascus in a lightning offensive last December.

Mr Assad fled for Russia, bringing an abrupt end to his 24 years of rule.

Official celebrations are taking place on Monday across the country, and the central Umayyad Square in Damascus has been packed with jubilant crowds.

Image: Damascus was a scene of jubilation on Monday. Pic: Reuters

Image: Pic: Reuters

Mr Sharaa, a Former al Qaeda commander, has been marking the occasion with dawn prayers at the Umayyad Mosque in the capital, according to the Syrian state news agency

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