Syria marks a year since fall of Assad as divisions remain

Damascus: Thousands of Syrians on Monday took to the streets to mark the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar Assad's regime. 

Assad fled to Russia after an Islamist-led offensive a year ago.

The Syrian capital, Damascus, is hosting a military parade and a speech by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the offensive that ousted Assad. 

People gathered at Damascus's landmark Umayyad Mosque for dawn prayers, raising flags and chanting slogans in celebration of the anniversary.

Al-Sharaa was also at the mosque, telling people after the prayers to get together to rebuild their country.

"The current phase requires the unification of efforts by all citizens to build a strong Syria, consolidate its stability, safeguard its sovereignty and achieve a future befitting the sacrifices of its people," Sharaa said.

The rebel-turned-president said reconstruction efforts would extend "from north to south and east to west," adding that his government seeks to ensure justice and support vulnerable communities.

International support 
European Council President Antonio Costa has pledged continued EU support as Syrians take "steps toward a more stable and inclusive future." 

"The EU stands with Syria, supporting a peaceful, Syrian-led process focused on justice, reconciliation and the rights of all Syrians," Costa said on Monday.

"Challenges remain, but we are committed to political dialogue, urgent humanitarian support and Syria's recovery and reconstruction."

Al-Sharaa has managed to rally Western backing, not only from the EU, but also from the US. Last month, he became the first Syrian president to visit the White House since 1946. 

Many countries see Syria's stability as integral to the region's security. Some, including Germany, also seek to have the Syrian nationals who sought refuge in their countries return to Syria, as anti-immigration politics rise. 

Although the fall of Assad's regime marked a significant breakthrough in Syria, the country's fragile transition faces challenges.

Religious minorities have come under attack several times in the past year, while Israel continues to strike Syrian territories. 

Alawites are largely boycotting Monday's celebrations in protest against the "oppressive" new authorities.

The Kurdish administration, which controls parts of northeast Syria, has also prohibited public gatherings and events on Sunday and Monday, citing security concerns.

The Kurdish administration is trying to safeguard its regional autonomy, while in the south, some Druze are seeking independence in the province of Sweida after hundreds were killed in July clashes with government forces.