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BACKGROUND
Following the Arab Springs activism in Egypt and Tunisia, Syrians became inspired to take to the streets. They wanted to voice their unhappiness with the government. The Syrians also wanted democratic reforms. These protests were not well received by the government, who responded with drastic measures. -
Period: to
Arab Spring in Syria
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Day of Rage
Roughly 200 protesters gathered in Damascus, Syria's capital, wanting reforms. Social media was used to organize this gathering. They were protesting against President Bashar Assad's Baathist regime. The protest was quickly dismantled by governemt forces. At least 35 people were arrested. -
Violence in Deraa
Following the protests of residents in Deraa, who were angry about the torture of student putting up anti-government graffitti, security forces opened fire, killing 6 people in front of a mosque. Even though President Assad had made some changes in Syria, he largley ignored the majority of the demands of protesters. -
Capturing Jisr Al-Shughour
Over 100 security officials were killed by the rebels (Sunni's) in Jisr Al-Shughour. The goverment got revenge by capturing the town. 12,000 people fled to Turkey. -
Fighting in Hama
Army forces moved into Hama, where arrests and gunfire was reported. The governemt raided houses and arrested citizens. The residents fought back by setting fire to tires and blocking roads. Despite the efforts of residents to keep government out, security forces closed of Hama and killed thousands. -
12 Killed
During a peace protest gone wrong, 6 protesters were killed by goverment officials. One of them, a 16 year old girl shot dead by sniper. On the other hand, 5 soldiers were killed trying to switch from the goverment to the anti- Assad side. -
Syria Crisis becomes Civil War
The International Committee of the Red Cross anounced that the 17-month long conflict in Syria was now considered a civil war. This was due to the change from spontaneous conftict in separate areas to continual conflict across the nation. This announcement came after a violent battle just outside of Damascus. -
Capturing Ar-Raqqah
The capture of Ar-Raqqah was a major step for the rebels. It was the first major city they controlled. After the capture, the goverment made multiple attemps to regain control of the city through air strikes. -
The Great Mosque of Aleppo
A fire exchange occured between rebels and government officials. The Great Mosque of Aleppo was destroyed. It was over 900 years old. -
Chemical Weapons Used
Chemical weapons use in Syria was confirmed by UN inspetors. These weaapons were used in an attack in the Ghouta area os Damascus. This attack, in August, was responsible for the death of 300. President Assad allowed for the weapons to be destroyed. -
TODAY
Today Bashar al-Assad is still in office ruling the Ba'ath Party. The Syrian Civil War has so far resulted in 150,000 (8,000 children) people killed and many more murdered. There are many Syrian refugees in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordon and Iraq. After three years of fighting the end is no were in sight.
