Syrians Celebrate Rebel Gains in Damascus, Reflect on 13 Years of Loss
Hope Rises Amid Memories of Devastation in Syrian Civil War
Even as Syrians rejoiced over the rebels’ historic advance into Damascus on Sunday morning, the victory was bittersweet, overshadowed by the devastating toll of 13 years of civil war.
For many, the fall of Sednaya prison and reports of President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country brought a glimmer of hope. Yet, these moments also reopened wounds inflicted by years of violence, displacement, and loss.
Eman Ouad, 44, displaced from Damascus and now living in Syria’s northwest, expressed her mixed emotions. “Thank God, thank God,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Her husband was killed during the war, leaving her to navigate life without him. “Our freedom has returned,” she added, reflecting on the years of suffering and separation.
Sednaya Prison’s Liberation Sparks Mixed Emotions
The capture of Sednaya prison, a site notorious for torture and mass executions, resonated deeply with Syrians across the country. Many have friends or family members who were detained in the complex, their fates unknown for years.
Ahmed al-Misilmani, a journalist displaced from Homs six years ago, described his reaction to the news. “I ran onto my balcony, yelling for joy,” he said. Yet, even in his celebration, his thoughts were with imprisoned friends. “We hope to God they are still alive.”
For Anas Khoury, 24, an opposition activist forced to flee Damascus after a chemical attack in 2013, the moment was surreal.
His brother was detained in Sednaya in 2011, and the family has not heard from him since. Scanning lists of freed prisoners, Khoury admitted he was struggling to process the emotional weight of the news.
Displacement Leaves an Indelible Mark on Syrians
The war has displaced millions, tearing apart families and reshaping lives. Khoury’s children, born in the makeshift tents of Idlib, have never met their grandparents or seen their ancestral home. “They were born in displacement,” he said somberly.
For Syrians, the rebel advances mark the potential for a new chapter, but they also underline the immense costs of the conflict. The memories of lost loved ones destroyed homes, and stolen years serve as a sobering reminder of the war’s enduring impact.
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