Pakistan, Sept. 20 -- Syrian singer Assala Nasri returned to Damascus after 15 years in exile. Thousands of fans welcomed her at a sold-out concert in the capital. The 57-year-old singer left Syria after opposing ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad.

Assala opened the concert with songs celebrating the Syrian people. She told the crowd she had long dreamed of returning home. Fans responded with loud cheers, while many became emotional during the performance.

Security forces maintained a heavy presence around the concert venue. Some religious conservatives had launched a campaign seeking its cancellation. Half of the concert proceeds will reportedly go to charity.

Syria's new authorities welcomed Assala's return after Assad's overthrow in 2024....