Syrian Rebels Rally for Support, Hope Global Attention on Ukraine Revives Their Cause

In Idlib, Syria, thousands of protesters gathered to mark the 11th anniversary of the Syrian uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. The rally, one of the largest in recent months, expressed solidarity with Ukraine as it faces Russia’s invasion. Demonstrators drew direct parallels between the situation in Ukraine and Syria, with many citing Russia’s backing of Assad’s regime in both conflicts.

Over 5,000 people took part in the protests, hoping that the global outcry over Russia’s actions in Ukraine might draw renewed attention to their cause. “The enemy is the same and the goal is the same,” said protester Radwan Atrash, referencing the shared struggle against Russian-backed regimes. Since 2011, Syria’s civil war has led to half a million deaths, most caused by attacks from Assad’s forces and their Russian and Iranian allies.