Published 19:05 IST, December 25th 2018
Syria celebrates Christmas after 8 years. Here are the pictures
The capital city of Syria, Damascus was dolled up with bells jingling around the city and aesthetics of Christmas put on display, as the city celebrated the festival after 8 years, ever since the inception of the war in 2011.
The capital city of Syria, Damascus was dolled up with bells jingling around the city and aesthetics of Christmas put on display, as the city celebrated the festival after 8 years, ever since the inception of the war in 2011.
Damascus lit up its tallest Christmas tree in Abbasid Square to commemorate the occasion. Christmas music was echoed in the city, accompanied by a parade that presented gifts to children and people walking around.
Thousands of Syrians across the city gathered at the Abbasid Square to witness the glory of Christmas after almost a decade and to watch the 30 meters tall Christmas tree all glowing.
For Syria's first safe holiday after the Arab Spring of 2011, in early December Aleppo, Damascus, Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Homs were decked up in the festive vibe. The festival is celebrated by both Muslims and Christians in the country and many Muslim families have decorated trees in their houses.
Syrians said that with the improvement of electricity, they can now enjoy lights.
Only last week, United States President Trump announced an immediate withdrawal of US troops from war-torn Syria declaring the defeat of ISIS by the United States. Trump addressed the issue first time through a video shared on Twitter on Wednesday, referring to the US military officials killed in Syria.
"We have won against ISIS," Trump said. "We've beaten them and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land and now it's time for our troops to come back home. I get very saddened when I have to write letters or call parents or wives or husbands of soldiers who have been killed fighting for our country."
Updated 19:24 IST, December 25th 2018