Rebel forces took control of Damascus in a lightning-fast offensive, leaving behind a trail of abandoned military tanks, broken billboards, and signs of lawlessness. The city, once ruled by Bashar al-Assad, now lies in ruins, with many fearing retribution against those who supported the Assad government.
As rebels patrolled the streets, checkpoints manned by Syrian intelligence forces were empty, replaced by vehicles armed with rockets and makeshift camouflage. A duty-free shop on the border was broken into, and dozens of abandoned cars littered the roads, their windshields shattered and doors flung open.
Young men in rebel groups fiddled with wires to jumpstart vehicles and took selfies amidst the chaos. In one neighborhood, a resident named Victor Dawli waved at passing rebels, but also noted that some residents were fearful of retribution from those who supported the uprising.
With Assad’s rule ending, Syrians are walking a tightrope, balancing between fear and defiance. Some have kept their heads down, while others, like Dawli, secretly supported the rebels. As the country navigates its uncertain future, many wonder what will come next for this war-torn nation.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/world/middleeast/damascus-road-syria-assad.html