As Syria marks 15 years since anti-Assad uprising, security issues remain | Syria’s War
Syria Marks 15th Anniversary of Uprising Amid Ongoing Reconstruction Efforts
On Sunday, Syrians will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the uprising that culminated in the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule in late 2024. The protests that spurred this change began on March 15, 2011, in cities such as Deraa, Damascus, and Aleppo, following the arrest and torture of teenage boys for painting anti-regime graffiti.
Inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, the initial demonstrations quickly escalated into widespread demands for democratic reforms and the release of political prisoners. In response, al-Assad’s government resorted to violent suppression of dissent. By mid-2011, defectors from the Syrian army established the Free Syrian Army, leading to a brutal civil conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
In December 2024, a swift offensive by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group resulted in al-Assad fleeing to Russia. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former leader of HTS, subsequently assumed the presidency and has since focused on rebuilding a war-torn nation, particularly its security infrastructure.
Syrians expressed their sense of pride in ousting the Assad family, which had ruled for over five decades. Last year, the capital saw vibrant celebrations on the first anniversary of the revolution without al-Assad, and this year’s observance coincides with Ramadan. Authorities have planned a significant iftar gathering in Qatana, south of Damascus, to honor families of the deceased, alongside a meeting for young activists in Barzeh.
Although al-Sharaa has gained international legitimacy, challenges remain for his administration. Relations have improved with several regional powers and the United States under President Donald Trump. Omer Ozkizilcik, a fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, noted that al-Sharaa has achieved a level of legitimacy unprecedented for a Syrian president.
Despite a reduction in fear of al-Assad’s security forces, many Syrians still experience a fragile security environment. Ahmad Khallak, a resident of Idlib, noted that while the situation has improved during daylight hours, concerns about weapons in the hands of unknown assailants persist, compounded by ongoing threats from ISIL (ISIS) and incidents of petty crime.
Since the end of the conflict, the government has worked to reestablish control across the country, including areas beset by violence. Despite efforts to recruit more security personnel, gaps remain in coverage, particularly in regions outside major urban centers like Damascus.
Efforts to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army are underway, as the SDF currently controls much of northeastern Syria. A January offensive led by the government reclaimed significant territory in that region.
In response to potential sectarian tensions, such as those that arose following a December incident in Homs, authorities have engaged with local leaders to maintain order. Observers indicate that the Syrian Ministry of Interior is focused on strengthening its internal security framework and managing various security actors within the country.
Overall, while communal relationships slowly improve, minority groups retain lingering concerns around their safety and status in a country now largely dominated by Sunni interests.
