Overview
- State-organized events in Damascus include a morning prayer attended by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a military parade, an evening address and cultural performances.
- The rebranded Syrian television is broadcasting the commemorations and has announced a new weekday schedule beginning January 1, 2026, from 12:00 to 23:00 local time.
- News executives say thousands of social-media accounts spread falsehoods, with the channel pledging to earn credibility through its coverage.
- Crowds celebrate the anniversary, yet citizens describe feeling elated, worried and confused, and many minorities remain fearful after a year of kidnappings and mass killings.
- Syrian diaspora celebrations in Utrecht caused traffic disruptions as police directed demonstrators to leave the central square, with no arrests reported.