Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have taken to the streets for “Victory Day” celebrations to mark the fall of Bashar al Assad’s dictatorship.
Large crowds gathered across the country on Friday, including in the capital Damascus, the port city of Latakia and the city of Homs.
It came after the former president fled to Moscow last weekend when his regime collapsed in the face of a lightning rebel offensive.
Both young and old were seen coming together to mark the occasion by waving flags, cheering and dancing.
Read more:
Latest updates from Syria
Assad: From doctor to dictator
While there has been jubilation across Syria all week, today’s celebrations were heightened as they came on the first Friday prayers since the regime was ousted.
While there is also uncertainty about life in the country under its new rebel leaders, many are hoping for a brighter future.
The scenes of joy on Friday come after 13 long years of civil war, during which an estimated half a million people were killed.
A group of men wave flags in the capital. Pic: Reuters
Large crowds packed the streets of Homs
The celebrations continued into the night. Pic: Reuters
A man flashes a “V for Victory” gesture in Damascus. Pic: Reuters
Syrians in the western city of Homs
A child waves a Syrian opposition flag in Damascus. Pic: Reuters
A man is lifted up as a group of men mark “Victory Day” at Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. Pic: Reuters
Syrians took to the streets in the port city of Latakia following Friday prayers. Pic: Reuters
Many brought children to the celebrations in Damascus amid hopes for a bright future in the country. Pic: Reuters
A woman demonstrates her joy by waving flags in Latakia. Pic: Reuters