A rebel commander, Mohammed Abu al-Zaid, entered the state broadcaster in Damascus on Tuesday, marking a stark contrast to his dramatic announcement on Sunday when he declared Bashar al-Assad’s regime had fallen. The 38-year-old commander was met with a warm welcome from channel staff and proudly displayed the opposition flag behind him.
Thousands of fighters and displaced people returned to Damascus and its countryside on Monday, having finished fighting in Homs. Many were reunited with their families, who had been separated for years due to the ongoing conflict. Bilal, Abu al-Zaid’s uncle, recounted his battles to return home and expressed hope that the new government would bring stability.
The Islamist insurgents of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of major public buildings and set up checkpoints in Damascus. While their takeover raised concerns about the future, residents celebrated their reunions with loved ones. The sound of gunfire in Umayyad Square subsided as families rejoiced over the news.
As Bilal said, “We will turn over our guns once we have a state and a proper army.” With the Assad regime gone, both Bilal and Abu al-Zaid hope to move on with their lives, free from conflict.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/10/this-is-a-happy-day-syrian-rebels-return-home-to-reunite-with-family-and-rebuild