Syria Marks 15 Years Since Anti-Assad Uprising with Ongoing Security Concerns

Syria Marks 15th Anniversary of 2011 Uprising

On March 15, 2024, Syrians will commemorate the 15-year anniversary of the uprising that began in 2011 and ultimately led to the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The protests started on this day in 2011, with antigovernment demonstrators gathering in cities such as Deraa, Damascus, and Aleppo.

The initial demonstrations were sparked by news of the arrest and torture of teenage boys from Deraa, who had been arrested for painting anti-Assad graffiti. As the protests grew, they evolved into demands for democratic reforms and the release of political prisoners. Al-Assad’s forces responded with brutal force, leading to the formation of the Free Syrian Army in July 2011.

The conflict escalated, drawing in various armed groups, nations, and regional rebel factions. The war resulted in significant human losses, with hundreds of thousands killed and millions displaced. In December 2024, a lightning offensive by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group led to al-Assad’s removal from power.

Since then, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the since-disbanded HTS, has taken on the role of president and is working to rebuild the country. Authorities have planned a series of events to mark the anniversary, including an iftar gathering in Qatana and a meeting with young revolutionaries and activists in Barzeh.

International recognition of al-Sharaa’s leadership has been notable, with several regional countries and the United States establishing diplomatic relations with him. However, challenges persist, including security concerns and ongoing international sanctions.

Syrians have expressed mixed views on the anniversary, with some expressing pride at having overthrown the Assad dynasty that ruled the country for over 50 years. Others acknowledge the need for continued progress in rebuilding the state’s security and addressing ongoing issues such as petty crime and the presence of ISIL fighters.

Source: Al Jazeera