Sharaa visits Idlib, first Syrian president since 1970s

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa made a historic visit to Idlib province in northwestern Syria on Saturday, marking his first visit to the region since assuming office.

Idlib was a key stronghold of the military operations that led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Dec. 8, 2024. According to SANA news agency, Al-Sharaa toured the city of Idlib and several displacement camps in the area.

His visit comes nearly two months after the collapse of Assad’s rule.

Several officials from the government accompanied Al-Sharaa on the unannounced visit. The surprise trip was not previously disclosed to the public. 

First Syrian president since 1970s

This visit marks the first time since the 1970s that a Syrian president has set foot in Idlib. The last visit by a head of state was in the early years of Hafez al-Assad’s rule. During that visit, Assad was met with widespread protests, as residents expressed their rejection of his rule by throwing shoes and tomatoes at him, according to Alarabi. 

During the tour, a young man from Idlib City gifted Sharaa a revolution medal as a symbol of respect and support, also implying that the revolution began in Idlib.