Syrian opposition fighters have declared that the country has been “liberated” after they stormed the capital Damascus, while long-term ally Russia says President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country.
Concerns have been raised about the future of the country and the broader region, with the Syrian rebel leader asserting there is no turning back now.
Scenes of jubilant celebration unfolded in Damascus and other parts of the country, including areas along the border with Lebanon.
The remarkable opposition breakthrough followed 13 years of a brutal war, marking the end of more than five decades of al-Assad family rule.
In Cyprus and Greece, Syrians also stormed the streets to celebrate the downfall of al-Assad.
At Syntagma Square in Athens, Syrians were waving flags carrying the colours of the rebels, along with a few Palestinian flags, and shouted slogans. Four protesters also stormed the Syrian Embassy in Athens, replacing Syria’s official flag with that of the revolution and removing photos of al-Assad from the walls.
In the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, Syrians gathered on the walls of the old town chanting slogans and waving Syrian opposition, Cyprus and Greek flags. Hundreds of people later marched to Eleftheria Square.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry also issued a formal statement welcoming the fall of Assad, but said “peace in the country and a smooth transition of power to a democratically legitimated government should be immediately ensured, based on Security Council Resolution 2254.”
“Greece supports the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria,” the statement added.
Source: ABC News, Ekathimerini.
