Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
09 December 2024 | 13:30 CAT
3-minute read

• Israel targeted weapon stockpiles in Damascus after resistance retook the city

• People are trapped underground in Sednaya prison, which is infamous for torture

• Hidden underground levels complicate rescue efforts

• Leadership aims to form inclusive government representing all factions and minorities
• Emphasis on justice, reconciliation and peace.

The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria marks a significant milestone in the country’s history and a new beginning for its people. Abu Mohammed al-Julani said in a victory speech at the Umayyad Masjid in the capital city yesterday that the Syrian people are the “rightful country” of their country.

Humanitarian activist Tauqir Sharif, founder of Live Updates from Syria, explained in an interview on Radio Islam International that the situation in the country is still unstable despite Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s incredible victory.

“All praise be to Allah subahanahu wa ta’ala, me and my team, we are her in Damascus. We entered last night, shortly after it was liberated. When we entered, one of the first things that we noticed was large fires, big clouds of black, looming plumes of smoke, looming over the city,” Sharif describes, adding that they later came to find out this was due to Israeli airstrikes on weapon stockpiles. Adding to the turbulence were skirmishes between the regime’s personnel and resistance fighters, Sharif says.

The resistance also liberated the Sednaya Prison, also known as the “Human Slaughterhouse” (المسلخ البشري), which was a military prison near Damascus in Syria operated by the Syrian government. While captives on the first level were freed, numerous prisoners remain trapped in hidden underground levels. Civil defence teams are working to locate secret entrances to free remaining prisoners, many of whom were unfairly detained for opposing al-Assad’s regime. for reading salaah in the masjid, or for crimes they did not commit.

Sharif highlights the long-lasting effects of the decades-old “brutal, oppressive regime”, explaining that overcoming the “trauma” will be a long process.

“The remnants, the impacts, the traumas of what this brutal regime has done still lie here and are going to take time to heal,” he says, adding that there is a dire need to rebuild the numerous towns and villages that were destroyed.

Extreme jubilation is balanced with cautious optimism among citizens, some of whom remain wary of Assad’s potential return. Public celebrations include traditional chants and celebratory gunfire.

Military leadership in the country has expressed its commitment to form an inclusive government that represents all factions and minorities, emphasising justice and reconciliation. While the road to stability and rebuilding is steep, citizens remain cautiously hopeful that the victory does indeed mark a new beginning for them.

“They’re [the leadership of the military operations] talking about having a transitional government, which is going to be inclusive of all of the different factions on the ground,” Sharif says, and added, “They’re also speaking about an inclusive Syria, which is going to have rights for all of the populations.”

Sharif describes the mercy and kindness with which resistance forces have retaken the cities. In accordance with the shari’ah, an announcement was made for military personnel to lay down arms and submit.

“Many areas were taken without a fight because they gave that covenant of safety and security.” Sharif explains, adding, “Another thing they said… if you fought man to man as a military combatant and you lay down your weapons, then you will be safe. We saw queues in Aleppo, in different cities, thousands of military soldiers signing up and handing themselves in an handing their weapons in… It shows that it’s not a bloodthirsty group of people, even though they have been brutalised and oppressed.”

The final hours before victory were reportedly marked by mass defections, which were largely spurred by the loss of Russian aerial support and the offers of safety from resistance forces for those who laid down their arms. This resulted in internal conflicts among Assad’s generals, many of whom ultimately negotiated directly with the freedom fighters. Recognising his dwindling support, Assad reportedly attempted to broker a deal with the UAE, Moscoe and others to no avail.

Assad is now believed to have fled to Moscow, where he has been granted political asylum.

This update was brought to you by Radio Islam International from Brother Tauqir Sharif, who is currently with his team in Damascus.

Listen to the full interview produced by Annisa Essack on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.