Rebel Supporters Celebrate in Syrian Embassies Abroad

Supporters of rebels who ousted President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday celebrated by entering several Syrian embassies abroad and hoisting their flag. Insurgents also entered the Italian envoy's residence in Damascus. Below are incidents reported at various embassies:

SPAIN

About 150 people cheered and shouted "Freedom!" as a man at the Syrian embassy in Madrid threw the Assad government's flag to the ground and hoisted the black, green, and white flag featuring three stars used by the rebels. Bilal Kutaini, a 32-year-old dentist, expressed, "This is a memorable day for the whole Syrian people. The 8th of December 2024. We are going to create a free country for all the Syrian people."

GREECE

Supporters entered the Syrian embassy in Athens and raised their flag from the rooftop. Police arrested four individuals but allowed the flag to remain. Alompeint Marouf, 59, said, "Our joy is indescribable; 55 years of horrible dictatorship has finally ended." Protesters also demolished Assad’s portrait in the embassy, according to Greek media.

ITALY

Rebels entered the residence of Italy's ambassador in Damascus searching for pro-Assad forces or relevant documents, firing a few shots against a wall. However, there was no harm to the ambassador or security staff. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported, "They took away only three cars and that was it."

SERBIA

Several Syrian opposition supporters laughed and embraced each other in front of the embassy in Belgrade, raising the rebel flag on a pole in the courtyard.

SWEDEN

At the Syrian embassy in Stockholm, the three-starred "Syrian revolution flag" was raised, according to broadcaster TV4.

RUSSIA

The Syrian flag was removed from the Moscow embassy without any explanation, as reported by Russian news agencies.

BRITAIN

People gathered outside the Syrian embassy in London, waving the Syrian opposition flag.

SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Syria's Foreign Ministry stated that its diplomatic missions abroad will serve all citizens in a "new page" of national history, aimed at unifying people without a single opinion dominating.

INDONESIA

The Indonesian embassy in Damascus announced measures to ensure the safety of its citizens, including preparations for potential evacuation.

HUNGARY

Hungary's embassy in Damascus is temporarily closed, with citizens being assisted by its mission in Beirut, as per Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.