00:00Bashar al-Assad has fallen, but for over 13 years, the name Sidnaya Prison was whispered
00:24with fear, a notorious symbol of oppression under Bashar al-Assad's regime.
00:30But today, hope flickers as Syrians flock to its gates, searching for their loved ones
00:35after Islamist-led rebels stormed the prisons during the dramatic fall of Damascus.
00:43The events of the past 48 hours have been nothing short of historic.
00:47The capital Damascus, once the heart of Assad's rule, has now been taken over by the rebels.
00:53And with that, decades of Ba'ath Party dominance has crumbled.
00:57Even at the Syrian border in Deidat-e-Yabous, the signs of change are visible.
01:04The once heavily guarded checkpoint, notorious for its corruption and brutality, now stands
01:10eerily empty.
01:12Portraits of Bashar al-Assad have been ripped from the walls, replaced by broken glass and
01:18debris.
01:19Just days ago, this border crossing was controlled by the president's brother's feared 4th
01:25Brigade.
01:26For many travellers, this border was a source of daily humiliation.
01:41But amidst the ruins of oppression, Syrians have found a moment of joy.
01:46In the iconic Umayyad Square, the heart of the capital, thousands of jubilant residents
01:52gather to celebrate the end of Assad's reign.
01:55A regime that brought years of war, displacement and despair has now been overthrown.
02:16For many, though, this marks the beginning of a new chapter, one they hope will bring
02:34peace, unity and the return of stability to their fractured nation.
02:48At Sidnaya prison, where thousands disappeared under Assad's rule, the end of tyranny feels
02:55tangible.
02:56Yet, for many, the scars of oppression remain.
03:00Memories sift through remnants, searching for answers to questions long buried.
03:05The end of Assad's rule is monumental, but it comes with a challenge.
03:10Syria now stands at a crossroad.
03:13Rebuilding a nation torn by war and division will take years, if not decades.
03:18The hope, however, is undeniable.
03:24For the people of Syria, the journey of freedom has been long and painful.
03:29But today, as they reclaim their cities, their homes and their future, one thing is
03:34clear.
03:35Syria's story is one of resilience and unyielding hope.
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