Syrian Turkmens hold first Friday prayers in Latakia after regime’s fall

DAMASCUS, Syria

Turkmens in Syria's western province of Latakia gathered for their first Friday prayers following the collapse of the 61-year Baath regime.

Displaced by the Bashar Assad regime, many Turkmens began returning home after the regime's fall on Dec. 8.

At Rahman Mosque, residents offered prayers and expressed their joy over returning home and reuniting with their community.

Following the prayers, the community celebrated with Syrian revolution flags and chanted slogans expressing hopes for a "new Syria."

The gathering symbolized a moment of gratitude and optimism as Turkmens worked to reclaim their lives in the post-regime era.

Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power in Syria since 1963.