Anti-Assad protests erupt across Syria

By Mohamad Misto and Abdurrahman Khedr

DAMASCUS, Syria

Several cities in Syria erupted in protests against the Bashar al-Assad regime and Russia's aggression in the country Friday, Syrian activists told Anadolu Agency.

The demonstrations also gave weight to reports that the Syrian revolution continues in the country despite the regime's atrocities.

According to Syrian activists, 22 protests took place in the provinces of Idlib, Aleppo, Homs, Daraa and Rif Dimashq, during which people demanded their rights to freedom and dignity.

They condemned what they called Russian aggression and held banners demanding an end to sieges imposed by regime forces on Syrian cities; they also called for allowing immediate humanitarian and medical supplies into such areas.

Protesters also rejected all “schemes to divide Syria” and asserted the unity of their country and land.

Since March 2011, Syrian opposition has been demanding an end to 44 years of rule of the Assad family in the country.

The opposition is striving for a democratic state and devolution of powers.

However, instead of listening to his people, the Assad regime has launched a military crackdown, which has resulted in a spate of violence and deadly battles between regime forces and opposition.

Syria has remained locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.

Since then, more than 250,000 people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced, according to UN figures.