Aleppo: Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa declared that Aleppo was 'the gateway' for revolutionaries to access the entirety of Syria. He made these remarks during a speech in Aleppo, celebrating the first anniversary of the city's liberation from former President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sharaa's speech was part of the festivities marking the 'Deterrence of Aggression' battle anniversary, which began on November 27, 2024. This pivotal battle resulted in the fall of Assad's regime in just 11 days. Aleppo, one of the first cities to be freed, saw its official liberation declared in early December 2024, starting from its western countryside.

In excerpts from his speech published by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Sharaa reflected, 'From the walls of Aleppo, we saw Damascus liberated. For us, Aleppo was the gateway to entering all of Syria. After Aleppo's shackles were broken, prisoners were freed, and smiles returned to children's faces.' He emphasized that the liberation of Aleppo marked the true beginning of Syria's rebuilding efforts.

Sharaa further expressed that the liberation brought hope back to the nation, symbolizing not just a celebration of Aleppo but the inception of a new history for Syria and the region. Earlier, state-run Alikhbaria TV reported Sharaa's arrival in Aleppo to engage with civil and military leaders on the anniversary.

The downfall of Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, concluded with his flight to Russia last December, ending the Baath Party's long-standing regime since 1963. Sharaa's transitional administration took office in January, ushering in a new era for Syria.