Despite the rain, ralies and protests against a brewing armed insurrection have been ongoing in #Damascus and other #Syrian cities since last night. I joined one of these rallies in Damascus this morning, where protesters were vocally chanting against #Iran’s involvement. The past 24 hours have marked the most significant attempt at rebellion by pro-Assad loyalists since the fall of his regime. In the coastal region, government security forces were ambushed and killed.

Simultaneously, former pro-Assad officers and fighters, aligning along sectarian lines and reportedly coordinating with #Assad—who remains in hiding in Moscow—and his brother Maher, declared an uprising and called on other communities to take up arms against the government. These insurgents are receiving support from #Iran, which has been working to destabilize #Syria since losing its key ally, Assad. In response, I observed a heightened security presence in Damascus yesterday. The government has reacted swiftly, mobilizing large forces to the coastal region to suppress the insurgency.

This very serious escalation comes despite the clemency, mercy, and tolerance Syria’s new rulers have extended to those involved in past atrocities and war crimes. However, the public mood toward these outlaws is shifting with protests urging the government to act decisively. Citizens are also mobilizing to join government forces and assist in the effort. #سوريا_الان #الساحل
#Damascus #Syrian #Iran