DAMASCUS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- In the wake of former president Bashar al-Assad's sudden ouster on Dec. 8, Syrians are grappling with various challenges in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
While the new governing authorities led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have pledged reforms and a path to stability, violent incidents persist, with citizens fretting about the future.
In one of the latest episodes, Syria's interim administration imposed curfews in several cities on Wednesday following protests triggered by online footage purportedly showing an attack on an Alawite shrine in Aleppo.
The interim administration also announced a security campaign targeting what they called "remnants of the former regime" and anyone inciting disorder, "regardless of sect or background." They warned that anyone taking up arms against security units would face a "decisive response."
Meanwhile, three judges were shot dead on Tuesday by unknown assailants near al-Rabi'ah in the western rural area of Hama, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The war monitor said the incident marks the first of its kind targeting judges since the downfall of al-Assad, highlighting a persistent security vacuum.
Since Dec. 8, the Observatory has documented at least 66 crimes across the country, where 106 people were killed, including several women and children.
Despite these unsettling developments, the capital saw a strong display of unity this week.
Citizens staged demonstrations on Monday and Tuesday in the Damascus neighborhoods of Jaramana, Kashkoul, Kabas, Douail'a, al-Tabbaleh, Bab Sharqi, Bab Touma and Qasaa, calling for national cohesion, according to the Observatory.
They urged the new leadership to collaborate with local committees to quell potential sectarian tensions. Protesters carried banners urging tolerance and denouncing any acts meant to incite discord.
Since mid-December, the new authorities have vowed to restore order to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their background or sect.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Syria's de facto governing group and HTS commander, reached an agreement on Tuesday with other military faction leaders to dissolve all armed factions and unify them under the defense ministry.
Closely monitoring the volatile situation, residents remain vigilant against isolated attacks with a sense of relief that the days of war and hardship are now behind them.
Small businesses are reopening in Damascus, showing a glimmer of hope as Syrians strive to reclaim normal life. ■
