Syrians around the world are celebrating the fall of the Assad dynasty notorious for its inhumane treatment of Syria's civilian population.
Bashar Al-Assad ruled for 13 years but fell from power following just 13 days of military successes led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who first captured the city of Aleppo, then Hama, Homs, and the capital city of Damascus.
Despite the country's uncertain future, Syrians are celebrating the end of the bloody Assad regime which displaced more than half of the population.
70 Syrians gathered at the base of the Atomium in Laeken on Sunday morning, the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police confirmed after it was reported by RTBF. The crowd was "celebrating the return of freedom."
Another 100 people took to the streets of Ghent on Sunday afternoon, and 600 people took part in a procession in Anderlecht on the same day.
'All Syrians deserve peace'
Belgian and European politicians have taken the opportunity to express their solidarity with Syria as it embarks on a new chapter.
"At this time of immense challenges, we call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect for International Humanitarian Law and safe, unhindered humanitarian access," said Belgium's EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (MR). "All Syrians deserve peace."
"The fall of the Assad regime provides a new opportunity. The regime was responsible for terrible crimes. There are now many rebel groups, so we need conditions to move towards a bright future," said interim Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Quintin (MR), who replaced Lahbib last Monday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also reiterated on Sunday that the EU is ready to rebuild a Syria that protects minorities after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
"Europe is ready to support the safeguarding of national unity and the reconstruction of a Syrian state that protects all minorities," von der Leyen said on social media.