Syrians have taken to the streets to celebrate the first anniversary of the removal of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad amid renewed optimism that conditions will continue to improve as the country recovers from the effects of nearly 14 years of war.

Fireworks rang out, and flags dotted cities across the country on Monday, marking one year since the al-Assad dynasty fell after a lightning 11-day offensive by opposition forces ended its 53-year rule.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa, speaking at a press conference in Damascus, paid tribute to those who fought to overthrow the former regime.

“To those who are now present here in the heart of history, you are shaping a story of intrepidness and bravery,” he said.

“Today we mark one year of liberating Syria from the shackles of tyranny and dict

See Full Page