Damascus

Private sources told The Media Line that a patrol from the Syrian security services raided Hamdani’s shop, confiscated several archaeological pieces on display, and then arrested him.

A Syrian interior ministry spokesperson told Syrian television channel Al-Ikhbariya that the attacker did not have a leadership role in the security forces.

Damascus greeted the move as “a constructive step toward rebuilding Syria and reintegrating it economically and diplomatically.” 

In many cities such as Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Damascus, there has been a week of celebration, something unique for Syria after people suffered under more than a decade of war.

The site, located in the Al-Jemayliyah neighborhood, had reportedly been closed for decades. The event also included participation from an association operating in northern Syria.

“President Ahmad al-Sharaa discussed in a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, cooperation, and strengthening ties between the two brotherly countries.”

Syria's state news agency reported the sound of an explosion in the vicinity of Damascus and said the matter was under investigation.

Assad is said to be living a life of reclusion in Moscow, but rumors say he is also doing business, while his brother plots a return.

Celebrations also appear muted in Suwayda, the Druze region that Israel has pledged to defend from the new government. The Druze historically had a complex relationship with the Assad regime.

The ousting of longtime Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by rebels was the result of an extremely rapid offensive, ending the widely condemned Ba'athist regime after over 50 years