Aleppo's Sharaa in Syria one year after the city's second fall

President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Saturday, marking one year since a rapid Islamist-led campaign that ultimately overthrew long-standing leader Bashar al-Assad last December. The Islamist coalition, led by Sharaa, entered Aleppo on November 29 of the previous year and quickly seized control of Syrias second-largest city.

"Aleppo has been reborn, and with it, the rebirth of all Syria. In moments like this, Aleppo and its iconic citadel were shaping a new chapter in Syrian history," Sharaa declared to a crowd of hundreds outside the historic fortress.

Following his speech, Sharaa was seen atop the citadels tower next to a massive Syrian flag.

Aleppo had been one of the earliest centers of anti-Assad protests in 2011, which escalated into full-scale civil war. For four years, the city was split, with government forces holding the western parthome to most residentsand rebels occupying a smaller eastern section. The Assad regime faced accusations of dropping barrel bombs from helicopters and aircraft on rebel-held areas, while insurgents launched rockets into government-controlled neighborhoods.

Russia, an ally of Assad, intervened in September 2015, assisting government forces in besieging the rebel-held east by cutting off its final supply line. Full government control was restored on December 22, 2016, when the last group of rebels and civilians evacuated eastern Aleppo.

Sharaa's Islamist faction began their rapid assault on November 27 last year, advancing to capture Damascus on December 8, toppling Assad and ending over fifty years of his familys rule.

Author: Sophia Brooks