Syrian rebels rescue hundreds of political prisoners after Assad's departure

Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have freed hundreds of political prisoners from jails previously controlled by Bashar al-Assad's government. The prisoners had been detained for over 13 years, often in brutal conditions described as "slaughterhouses." Among those released was Bashar Barhoum, who was facing execution. He expressed disbelief at his freedom and the celebrations in Damascus following Assad's ouster. Reports indicate that many prisoners had been missing since the start of the conflict in 2011. Families of other prisoners continue to search for their loved ones, unable to join in the celebrations. Human rights groups have documented systematic torture and executions in Syrian prisons, highlighting the dire conditions faced by detainees.