The recent liberation of key areas in northern Syria by revolutionary forces has reignited hopes for freedom and justice, but revolutionary leaders emphasize the importance of protecting civilians and minorities in the newly secured regions.
The Political Affairs Department of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) strongly condemned the Assad regime’s continued military escalation, including indiscriminate bombings targeting civilians in Idlib and Aleppo. The strikes have inflicted significant human and material losses, further deepening the suffering of the Syrian people.
“This random bombing only exacerbates Syrian wounds and prolongs the suffering of a nation yearning for liberation,” the department stated, adding that the revolution is not directed against any country or people but solely aims to free the Syrian people from decades of oppression.
Reaffirming the principles of the revolution, the SSG declared that their fight was not rooted in sectarian or ethnic divides but in a collective desire to establish a dignified and free society. The revolution “was launched to liberate the Syrian people from slavery and humiliation,” and it prioritizes the establishment of state institutions that respect justice and national interests.
The Prime Minister SSG, Muhammad Al-Bashir, described the liberation of Aleppo and other areas as a turning point in the Syrian revolution. “This is not just a victory over injustice; it is a new beginning for our people in Aleppo, a city steeped in history and civilization. We now embark on a new chapter of construction and cooperation to rebuild Syria as a symbol of freedom and progress,” Al-Bashir said.
As the revolutionary forces advance, concerns over the treatment of minorities have been directly addressed by officials. Bashir Al-Ali, head of the Minority Affairs Directorate within the SSG, sought to reassure Christian and other minority communities in liberated areas.
“We want to reassure all minorities that their lives, properties, places of worship, and freedoms will be safeguarded. Your safety and rights are a priority for us, just like all other Syrians,” Al-Ali said. “This is your city too, and you are free to stay and live here in dignity and security.”
Similar reassurances were extended to the majority Shiite villages of Nubl and Zahraa in rural Aleppo. The Political Affairs Department urged residents of these villages not to align themselves with the Assad regime or the Iranian project in Syria, emphasizing that they will not be targeted or punished based on their religious identity.
Revolutionary leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani also issued a directive to revolutionary fighters to treat all civilians with kindness and respect. “Aleppo is a city of diversity, with a rich history of coexistence. We must preserve its legacy and ensure the security of all its people, regardless of their background,” he urged, emphasizing that property and lives must be safeguarded.
The revolutionary forces reiterated that their battle was against the Assad regime and not the Syrian people. The SSG called on Russia to reconsider its alignment with Assad, urging the Kremlin to instead build constructive relations with the Syrian people and their aspirations for freedom.
“We affirm that the Syrian people seek positive relations based on mutual respect and shared interests with all countries of the world, including Russia,” the SSG stated, underscoring the desire for a dignified future free from tyranny.
The liberation of Aleppo and surrounding areas marks a critical milestone for the revolution, with leaders pledging to work tirelessly toward justice, freedom, and the protection of all Syrians. As the SSG emphasized, this is not only a battle for land but a fight to uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen.
