Increased Vigilance as Damascus Celebrates Eid al-Fitr Amid Security Concerns
Tensions remain high in the Syrian capital despite public prayers and gatherings during the first Eid al-Fitr after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Thousands gathered in mosques and public squares across Damascus for Eid al-Fitr prayers on Monday morning, as the holiday atmosphere was overshadowed by Western warnings of potential terrorist attacks and ongoing economic challenges arising from limited cash availability.
Large crowds filled notable locations for prayers, including the Square of the Unknown Soldier at the base of Mount Qasioun and a designated area at the entrance to the Yarmouk refugee camp, which has seen significant devastation during the conflict.
The presence of public security personnel was notably heavy in main thoroughfares and neighborhood entrances, a scene that was rare under the Assad regime.
In the early hours, loudspeakers in mosques broadcast the Eid takbirs, welcoming a day that had mixed feelings for many attendees.
A man in his 40s reflected on the contrast of praying amidst the ruins of buildings in Yarmouk, saying that feelings of joy were intermingled with sadness over the violence that had transpired in that very location.
The atmosphere at the commemoration sites was more vibrant than in previous years, with many families, including older adults and children, visiting the graves of deceased relatives.
This marked a shift from the past 14 years of conflict when such visits were often limited to the elderly due to safety concerns.
A resident named Abu Mahmoud remarked on the stark change, stating that he now felt relieved to visit his brother's grave without constantly fearing the presence of regime security forces.
Reports indicated that the streets leading to Yarmouk were congested with vehicles, as thousands made their way to public areas prepared for the holiday celebrations.
Drones were noted flying overhead, surveying the large congregations of worshippers below.
Despite the increased attendance at prayers and public gatherings, hesitation remained prevalent among some residents.
Reports of a subdued atmosphere in central Damascus were attributed to lingering fears of possible terrorism, fueled by warnings from the U.S. and other foreign governments about potential attacks during the holiday.
As children and families arrived in Al-Muqarrah Square, young attendees expressed a sense of liberation and joy in celebrating without the shadow of the Assad regime.
The families of those who had fled abroad during the conflict displayed a mix of joy and apprehension.
One mother highlighted the holiday as the first she could celebrate with her children after years of separation due to the ongoing conflict.
The overall activity in public spaces appeared lower than expected as families remained cautious amid the holiday celebrations.
One local mother expressed her concerns over security, questioning the safety of allowing her children to participate in holiday festivities amidst reports of potential terrorist threats, underscoring the delicate balance between celebration and caution in the current Syrian environment.
Large crowds filled notable locations for prayers, including the Square of the Unknown Soldier at the base of Mount Qasioun and a designated area at the entrance to the Yarmouk refugee camp, which has seen significant devastation during the conflict.
The presence of public security personnel was notably heavy in main thoroughfares and neighborhood entrances, a scene that was rare under the Assad regime.
In the early hours, loudspeakers in mosques broadcast the Eid takbirs, welcoming a day that had mixed feelings for many attendees.
A man in his 40s reflected on the contrast of praying amidst the ruins of buildings in Yarmouk, saying that feelings of joy were intermingled with sadness over the violence that had transpired in that very location.
The atmosphere at the commemoration sites was more vibrant than in previous years, with many families, including older adults and children, visiting the graves of deceased relatives.
This marked a shift from the past 14 years of conflict when such visits were often limited to the elderly due to safety concerns.
A resident named Abu Mahmoud remarked on the stark change, stating that he now felt relieved to visit his brother's grave without constantly fearing the presence of regime security forces.
Reports indicated that the streets leading to Yarmouk were congested with vehicles, as thousands made their way to public areas prepared for the holiday celebrations.
Drones were noted flying overhead, surveying the large congregations of worshippers below.
Despite the increased attendance at prayers and public gatherings, hesitation remained prevalent among some residents.
Reports of a subdued atmosphere in central Damascus were attributed to lingering fears of possible terrorism, fueled by warnings from the U.S. and other foreign governments about potential attacks during the holiday.
As children and families arrived in Al-Muqarrah Square, young attendees expressed a sense of liberation and joy in celebrating without the shadow of the Assad regime.
The families of those who had fled abroad during the conflict displayed a mix of joy and apprehension.
One mother highlighted the holiday as the first she could celebrate with her children after years of separation due to the ongoing conflict.
The overall activity in public spaces appeared lower than expected as families remained cautious amid the holiday celebrations.
One local mother expressed her concerns over security, questioning the safety of allowing her children to participate in holiday festivities amidst reports of potential terrorist threats, underscoring the delicate balance between celebration and caution in the current Syrian environment.
