Former Syria‘s Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali on Monday announced that while most cabinet ministers had resumed their duties following the rebel overthrow of President Bashar Assad, some civil servants had not returned to work.
The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, highlighting that an aid flight carrying crucial medical supplies was delayed after aviation staff departed their positions.
“This reflects a dramatic shift where those previously vilified by media are now governing the capital,” Abdelmoula explained to news agency Associated Press. “The situation requires time and substantial reassurance from armed groups before normal operations can resume.”
Approximately two days after rebels entered the capital, essential government services were non-operational as civil servants disregarded instructions to return to work, according to the UN official. This affected airport operations, border controls and humanitarian aid distribution.
Damascus on Monday remained subdued as daily activities gradually resumed, although most businesses and government offices stayed closed. People gathered in public squares to celebrate, whilst private vehicles returned to the roads, but public transportation remained suspended. Citizens queued extensively at bakeries and food shops.
Security forces maintained a minimal presence, with occasional small groups of armed personnel positioned across various streets.
Additionally, the rebel coalition is now facing challenges who now controlling major parts of Syria. The alliance’s leader, a former senior al-Qaida member who had previously disconnected from the extremist organisation, has pledged to establish representative governance and religious freedom.
The rebel leadership also issued a statement Monday regarding women’s rights. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the statement read.
The relatives throughout Syria gathered outside detention facilities, security establishments and judicial buildings, anxiously awaiting information about imprisoned or missing family members.
At Saydnaya military prison, situated just north of Damascus, women prisoners and their children called out as opposition forces broke their cell locks. According to Amnesty International and other organisations, numerous individuals faced secret executions weekly at Saydnaya, with estimates suggesting up to 13,000 Syrian casualties between 2011 and 2016.
“Don’t be afraid,” one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. “Bashar Assad has fallen!”
In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan joined hundreds of Syrian refugees at border points, hoping to return home. He sought to locate his elder brother, who was detained under Assad’s regime.
“I haven’t seen him for 13 years,” he said. “I am going to go see whether he’s alive.”
Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting suspected chemical weapons facilities and long-range missile sites to prevent extremist groups from acquiring them. Additionally, Israel established a buffer zone within Syria following Syrian military withdrawal.