Liberated from IS, Syrian people celebrate with the president's palanquin
In a moment of joy, many people in Suwayda province, Syria carried President Bashar Assad on their shoulders to thank the government for its efforts to help them be liberated from the terrorists of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).
![]() |
People carry President Assad on their shoulders to celebrate. Photo: SN |
These people also chanted slogans in support of President Assad and his government.
Local media reported that the Syrian army recently freed a group of 19 women and children who were kidnapped by IS in July. The group initially consisted of about 30 people, but some of the hostages later died, while others were released by IS terrorists last month in a prisoner exchange deal.
The abductees belong to the Druze minority, one of the communities targeted by Islamist extremists. Since the outbreak of hostilities in 2011, thousands of Druze, especially in Suwayda, have refused to take up military service, instead joining local armed groups.
Speaking at a reception for the newly liberated Druze, President Assad thanked the Syrian army, saying that an effective way for the Druze community to support the army was to join military service.
Syria successfully freed hostages from IS terrorists in the context that government troops continue to drive IS out of many areas and are believed to be preparing a large-scale campaign to drive IS out of its last stronghold in Idlib.