Syria marks a year since fall of Assad
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Newly leaked videos reveal former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad mocking Syrians who can't afford food, military personnel, and Russian President Putin's appearance
Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad lives in Moscow under strict Russian supervision with banned public appearances, limited movements and no political activity since fleeing Damascus in December 2024.
Fireworks lit the sky and music blared on Monday in the center of Syria’s capital, Damascus, as tens of thousands of people celebrated the first anniversary of the fall of the dictator Bashar al-Assad and the end of his family’s decades-long tyrannical rule.
Al Jazeera on MSN
One year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad: A timeline
The 53-year-long rule of the al-Assad family ended on December 8, 2024, after a lightning 11-day offensive that took Syria and the world by surprise. The toppling of al-Assad also ended a long civil war that left lasting scars on the country and saw some 6.8 million Syrians – about one-third of the population – flee abroad.
Assad is said to be living a life of reclusion in Moscow, but rumors say he is also doing business, while his brother plots a return.
In one of the clips, the former Syrian president is seen mocking the people, saying they spend on mosques but "can't even afford food".
Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford speaks with Fox News Digital about the challenges facing the new Syrian government after former President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown.
Assad was removed from power last year after opposition forces entered Damascus. He has since taken refuge in Moscow, which had backed him throughout the Syrian conflict.
We honor the resilience of the Syrian people and reaffirm our support for a peaceful, prosperous Syria,' says Secretary of State Marco Rubio - Anadolu Ajansı
In rare footage published by the Al-Arabiya network, the former Syrian president is heard expressing disgust with the state of the country and insulting his people.
Assad's dictatorial regime one year ago, more than 1.2 million exiled Syrians have returned home. The journey back has often been extremely difficult, but it is driven by a determination to rebuild their lives in their homeland.
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