Syrians Search for Loved Ones Missing in Assad’s Jails

As Syrians celebrated their country’s newfound freedom in the capital, a somber search continued for those missing in the regime’s infamous prisons. On Monday, Syrian rescuers focused their efforts on Saydnaya prison, notorious for its association with some of the worst atrocities under President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The Syrian White Helmets, a rescue organization, reported that they were searching for secret doors or hidden areas in the prison, hoping to find any detainees who might still be trapped. “We are working with all our energy to reach a new hope, and we must be prepared for the worst,” they said in a statement.

Among those searching for missing relatives was Aida Taha, 65, who described her relentless quest to find her brother, arrested in 2012. “I’ve been roaming the streets like a madwoman,” she said. She believes some prisoners may still be held underground in Saydnaya, a prison with several hidden floors. “They say the doors won’t open because they don’t have the proper codes,” she added. “We’ve been oppressed long enough, we want our children back.”

The dramatic collapse of Assad’s regime came after a swift offensive by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which seized control of key cities, including Damascus, in just a few days. HTS, an Al-Qaeda-linked group that is banned by many Western governments, is now trying to moderate its image, assuring Syria’s religious minorities that they have nothing to fear.

Joy Amid Uncertainty

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the future, celebrations erupted in central Damascus on Monday. “It’s indescribable, we never thought this nightmare would end, we are reborn,” said Rim Ramadan, a 49-year-old civil servant. “We were afraid for 55 years of speaking, even at home, we used to say the walls had ears.” Horns honked, and gunfire rang out as rebels celebrated their victory.

The recent offensive, launched on November 27, saw rebels liberating cities and prisons, freeing thousands of political detainees. Social media erupted with images of detainees being released, as families reunited after years of separation. Fadwa Mahmoud, whose husband and son remain missing, posted a heartfelt plea: “Where are you, Maher and Abdel Aziz? It’s time for me to hear your news, oh God, please come back.”

International Reactions

U.S. President Joe Biden described Assad’s downfall as “a historic opportunity” for the Syrian people, calling for justice and accountability. “The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice,” Biden stated, but he also warned about the presence of hardline Islamist groups within the rebel coalition, stressing that the U.S. would assess both their actions and their words. Amnesty International echoed this sentiment, urging the new authorities to break free from past violence and ensure accountability for human rights violations.

UN rights chief Volker Turk called for justice for those responsible for atrocities under Assad’s rule, emphasizing that any political transition must guarantee accountability for past violations.

The Fate of Assad

As the fate of the ousted president remains uncertain, reports of Assad fleeing to Russia on Monday have not been confirmed by the Russian government. Syrian authorities raised the opposition flag in Moscow, and the Kremlin indicated it would discuss the future of its military bases in Syria with the new government. Russia, a crucial ally of Assad, had supported his regime through direct military intervention since 2015, helping to suppress the rebellion.

Iran, another key Assad ally, expressed its hopes for continued relations with Syria, noting that Assad had not requested Tehran’s assistance against the recent rebel offensive. Turkey, which has long supported the opposition, called for an inclusive government, recognizing the unpredictability of Syria’s future.

Regional Repercussions

The fall of Assad has led to increased tensions in neighboring countries. Israel, which shares a border with Syria, deployed troops to a buffer zone following Assad’s collapse, and its foreign minister, Gideon Saar, described this as a “limited and temporary step.” Saar also confirmed that Israel had targeted chemical weapons facilities in Syria to prevent extremists from obtaining them.

In northern Syria, a Turkish drone strike on a Kurdish-held area killed at least 11 civilians, including six children, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. As the dust settles from Assad’s fall, the future of Syria remains deeply uncertain, with various factions and foreign powers vying for influence over the country’s next chapter.