Five years ago, we bid farewell to Abdul Baset Sarout, one of the icons of the Syrian revolution.
Sarout was born in Homs in 1992 and became one of the most famous football goalkeepers in Syria after joining al-Karamah Club in Homs.
In 2011, Sarout led demonstrations in Homs, becoming famous for his distinctive chants that ignited the spirits of Syrians and sharpened their resolve.
Sarout was forced to take up arms and form the "Bayada Martyrs" battalion in 2012 following repeated attacks by regime forces on protesters and the siege of neighborhoods in Homs city, especially after the regime offered a financial reward for anyone who could provide information about Sarout's whereabouts or kill him.
During the years of the revolution, Sarout lost five of his brothers, his father, and other family members at the hands of regime forces.
He participated in many battles to break the siege on neighborhoods in Homs and lost dozens of his battalion's fighters. Sarout remained committed to the revolution and confronting the regime until he participated in the "Tal Malah" battle in the northern Hama countryside, where he was wounded on June 8, 2019, leading to his martyrdom.