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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

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AP News Digest 6 p.m.
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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

2024-12-05 06:59 Last Updated At:07:01

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.

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A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

NEW/DEVELOPING

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CFP PLAYOFF-RANKINGS; FEDERAL-RESERVE-POWELL; UNITED-STATES-CHINA-HACK; TRUMP-STAFF-PICKS; ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-AMNESTY; SUPREME-COURT-TRANSGENDER-HEALTH-TAKEAWAYS; MEDIA-HEGSETH’S-MOTHER; CONGRESS-JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS; BIDEN-ANGOLA-TAKEAWAYS; SIGNING DAY-RDP; CALIFORNIA-SCHOOL SHOOTING.

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ONLY ON AP

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ELECTION 2024-AP VOTECAST-PET OWNERS — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. Donald Trump won slightly more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, with a big assist from dog owners, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support him over Kamala Harris. Cat owners were split between the two candidates. By Linley Sanders, Humera Lodhi and Annie Ng. SENT: 780 words, photos, video, audio.

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TOP STORIES

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UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was shot and killed in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police say, setting off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. By Jake Offenhartz and Karen Matthews. SENT: 830 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED-PROFILE -- UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile before he was shot to death; UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-WHAT-TO-KNOW — What to know about the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Find more on the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting here.

MIDEAST-WARS — Israeli airstrikes tore through a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, sparking fires and killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital, in the latest assault on a sprawling tent city that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. By By Mohammad Jahjouh and Wafaa Shurafa. SENT: 920 words, photos. WITH: ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-AMNESTY — Human rights organization Amnesty International will release a report about the war in Gaza. UPCOMING: 1,230 words, photos by 7 p.m.

SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER HEALTH — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. By Mark Sherman. SENT: 1,290 words, photos, audio. WITH: SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER HEALTH-THE LATEST; SUPREME-COURT-TRANSGENDER-HEALTH-TAKEAWAYS (both sent).

SOUTH-KOREA-YOON’S-FATE — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals took steps to impeach him. By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung. SENT: 960 words, photos. WITH: SOUTH-KOREA-MARTIAL-LAW — South Korea’s opposition parties move to impeach president over sudden declaration of martial law; SOUTH-KOREA-MARTIAL-LAW-THE-CONTEXT — Shock martial law edict in South Korea follows chaotic recent history: A look at the crucial context.

TRUMP-HEGSETH — A defiant Pete Hegseth has fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump’s defense secretary as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host’s personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. By Thomas Beaumont, Adriana Gomez Licon, Zeke Miller and Tara Copp. SENT: 940 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: TRUMP-HEGSETH-RELIGION — U.S. military takes pride in religious diversity. Would things change if Pete Hegseth takes charge? MEDIA-HEGSETH’S-MOTHER — Pete Hegseth’s mother says The New York Times made “threats” by asking her to comment on a story (both sent).

TRUMP-TRANSITION — President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro, a former adviser who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, back to the White House for his second administration. Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. By Chris Megerian. SENT: 780 words, photos. WITH: TRUMP-TRANSITION-SEC — Trump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair; TRUMP-TRANSITION-NASA — Billionaire who performed the first private spacewalk is Trump’s pick to lead NASA; TRUMP-ARMY-SECRETARY — Trump selects a former soldier and Iraq War veteran to serve as Army secretary; TRUMP-TRANSITION-HOSTAGE-NEGOTIATOR — A health care executive is Trump’s pick to serve as his administration’s lead hostage negotiator; TRUMP-STAFF-PICKS (all sent).

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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SENEGAL-BIENNALE — For the artistic and cultural elites of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. By Monika Pronczuk. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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MORE NEWS

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UNITED STATES-CHINA-HACK — A top White House official said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. SENT: 600 words, photo, audio.

MOST MISPRONOUNCED WORDS — Vice President Kamala Harris and breakout pop star Chappell Roan were among the year’s most talked-about people. Their names were also among the most mispronounced. SENT: 610 words, photos, video, audio.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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BIDEN-ANGOLA — President Joe Biden pledged $600 million more for a cross-Africa rail project, telling regional leaders that “Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future.” SENT: 720 words, photos, audio. With BIDEN-ANGOLA-TAKEAWAYS — Highlights of Biden’s trip (sent).

GEORGIA-ELECTION-INDICTMENT — President-elect Donald Trump is trying to get the Georgia election interference case against him dismissed, asserting that the state’s courts will not have jurisdiction over him once he returns to the White House next month. SENT: 800 words, photos.

CONGRESS-JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS — Rep. Jerry Nadler has announced that he will be stepping down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee next year, avoiding an intra-party fight over a prominent position as the party prepares to confront a second Trump presidency. SENT: 290 words, photo.

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YEAR END STORIES

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YE-TOP FILMS — Break out your “Dune” popcorn bucket: It’s time for the best movies of the year. The AP's lists are topped by the sublime Indian drama “All We Imagine As Light” and the WWII drama “Blitz.” By Film Writers Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr. SENT: 1,570 words, photos.

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NATIONAL

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MISSING WOMAN-SINKHOLE SEARCH — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania is moving into a recovery effort after two days of searching produced no signs of life, authorities said. SENT: 800 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: SINKHOLES-WHAT-TO-KNOW — What to know about sinkholes. (sent).

SUBWAY-CHOKEHOLD-DEATH — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny as his lawyers complained that an aggressive protester was harassing the Marine veteran outside the New York City courthouse. SENT: 660 words, photos, video.

CALIFORNIA-SCHOOL SHOOTING — A shooting at a Northern California elementary school has left the suspect dead, sheriff’s officials say. SENT: 130 words.

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INTERNATIONAL

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FRANCE-GOVERNMENT — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forced Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. SENT: 660 words, photos.

SYRIA-OPPOSITION — The leader of Syria’s most powerful insurgent group toured the seized city of Aleppo in a surprise visit, for the first time since the group captured large parts of the city last weekend, as fierce fighting intensified in the government-led counter-offensive in northern Hama. SENT: 930 words, photos, video, audio.

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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PRENATAL SCREENING-CANCER — Many moms-to-be opt for blood tests during pregnancy to check for fetal disorders such as Down syndrome. In rare instances, these tests can reveal something unexpected — hints of a hidden cancer in the woman. By Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson. SENT: 520 words, photos.

BIRD FLU-RAW MILK — A California farm has expanded a recall of raw milk sold in stores and has halted production. By Health Writer Jonel Aleccia. SENT: 530 words, photo.

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WELLNESS

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HOLIDAY-SECRET SANTA-STRESS-BE WELL — Secret Santa gift exchanges among friends, family or co-workers can be a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. Or they can be just another seasonal stressor. SENT: 680 words, photos.

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BUSINESS

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FEDERAL RESERVE-POWELL — Chair Jerome Powell says that the Federal Reserve’s ability to set interest rates free of political interference is necessary for it to make decisions to serve “all Americans” rather than a political party or political outcome. By Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 470 words, photos, audio.

AMAZON-LAWSUIT — The District of Columbia has sued Amazon, alleging the company secretly stopped providing its fastest delivery service to residents of two predominantly Black neighborhoods while still charging millions of dollars for a membership that promises the benefit. SENT: 800 words, photo.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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MUSIC-SPOTIFY-WRAPPED — ’Tis the season to unpack Spotify Wrapped. And it should come as no surprise that in 2024, for a second year in a row, Taylor Swift has been named its most-played artist, ranking in more than 26.6 billion streams. By Music Writer Maria Sherman. SENT: 580 words, photos. With SPOTIFY-WRAPPED-2024-EXPLAINER (sent)

TAYLOR SWIFT-ERAS TOUR ENDS — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end soon after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. SENT: 1,060 words, photos.

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SPORTS

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SIGNING DAY-RDP — Georgia has the edge at putting together the nation’s top football recruiting class for a second straight year as high school seniors get a chance to finalize their college selections. By Sports Writer Steve Megargee. SENT: 960 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636 Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

Next Article

Thousands scour Syria's most horrific prison but find no sign of their loved ones

2024-12-10 22:55 Last Updated At:23:00

SAYDNAYA, Syria (AP) — They came from all over Syria, tens of thousands. The first place they rushed to after the fall of their longtime tormentor, former President Bashar Assad, was here: Saydnaya Prison, a place so notorious for its horrors it was long known as “the slaughterhouse.”

For the past two days, all have been looking for signs of loved ones who disappeared years or even decades ago into the secretive, sprawling prison just outside Damascus.

But hope gave way to despair Monday. People opened the heavy iron doors lining the hallways to find cells inside empty. With sledgehammers, shovels and drills, men pounded holes in floors and walls, looking for what they believed were secret dungeons, or chasing sounds they thought they heard from underground. They found nothing.

Insurgents freed dozens of people from the Saydnaya military prison on Sunday when Damascus fell. Since then, almost no one has been found.

“Where is everyone? Where are everyone’s children? Where are they?” said Ghada Assad, breaking down in tears.

She had rushed from her Damascus home to the prison on the capital’s outskirts, hoping to find her brother. He was detained in 2011, the year that protests first erupted against the former president's rule – before they turned into a long, grueling civil war. She didn’t know why he was arrested.

“My heart has been burned over my brother. For 13 years, I kept looking for him,” she said. When insurgents last week seized Aleppo — her original hometown — at the start of their swiftly victorious offensive, “I prayed that they would reach Damascus just so they can open up this prison,” she said.

Civil defense officials helping in the search were as confused as the families over why no further inmates were being found. It appeared fewer were held here in recent weeks, they said.

But few were giving up, a sign of how powerfully Saydnaya looms in the minds of Syrians as the heart of Assad’s brutal police state. The sense of loss over the missing — and the sudden hope they might be found -- brought a kind of dark unity among Syrians from across the country.

During Assad’s rule and particularly after the 2011 protests began, any hint of dissent could land someone in Saydnaya. Few ever emerged.

In 2017, Amnesty International estimated that 10,000-20,000 people were being held there at the time “from every sector of society.” It said they were effectively slated for “extermination.”

Thousands were killed in frequent mass executions, Amnesty reported, citing testimony from freed prisoners and prison officials. Prisoners were subjected to constant torture, intense beatings and rape. Almost daily, guards did rounds of the cells to collect bodies of inmates who had died overnight from injuries, disease or starvation. Some inmates fell into psychosis and starved themselves, the human rights group said.

“There is not a home, there is not a woman in Syria who didn’t lose a brother, a child or a husband,” said Khairiya Ismail, 54. Two of her sons were detained in the early days of the protests against Assad – one of them when he came to visit her after she herself had been detained.

Ismail, accused of helping her son evade military service, spent eight months in Adra prison, northeast of Damascus. “They detained everyone.”

An estimated 150,000 people were detained or went missing in Syria since 2011 — and tens of thousands of them are believed to have gone through Saydnaya.

“People expected many more to be here ... They are clinging to the slightest sliver of hope,” said Ghayath Abu al-Dahab, a spokesman for the White Helmets, the search and rescue group that operated in rebel-held areas throughout the war.

Five White Helmet teams, with two canine teams, came to Saydnaya to help the search. They even brought in the prison electrician, who had the floor plan, and went through every shaft, vent and sewage opening. So far, there were no answers, Abu al-Dahab said.

He said the civil defense had documents showing more than 3,500 people were in Saydnaya until three months before the fall of Damascus. But the number may have been less by the time the prison was stormed, he said.

“There are other prisons,” he said. “The regime had turned all of Syria into a big prison.” Detainees were held in security agencies, military facilities, government offices and even universities, he added.

Around the Y-shaped main building of the prison, everyone kept trying, convinced they could find some hidden chamber with detainees, dead or alive.

Dozens of men tried to force a metal gate open until they realized it led only to more cells upstairs. Others asked the insurgents guarding the prison to use their rifle to lever open a closed door.

A handful of men were gathered, excavating what looked like a sewage opening in a basement. Others dug up electrical wiring, thinking it might lead to hidden underground chambers.

In a scene throughout the day, hundreds cheered as men with sledgehammers and shovels battered a huge column in the building’s atrium, thinking they had found a secret cell. Hundreds ran to see. But there was nothing, and tears and loud sighs replaced the celebrations.

In the wards, lines of cells were empty. Some had blankets, a few plastic pots or a few names scribbled on walls. Documents, some with names of prisoners, were left strewn in the yard, the kitchen and elsewhere. Families scoured them for their loved ones’ names.

A brief protest broke out in the prison yard, when a group of men began chanting: “Bring us the prison warden.” Calls on social media urged anyone with information of the secret cells of the prison to come forth and help.

Firas al-Halabi, one of the prisoners freed when insurgents first broke into Saydnaya, was back on Monday visiting. Those searching flocked around him, whispering names of relatives to see if he met them.

Al-Halabi, who had been an army conscript when he was arrested, said he spent four years in a cell with 20 others.

His only food was a quarter loaf of bread and some burghul. He suffered from tuberculosis because of the cell conditions. He was tortured by electrocution, he said, and the beatings were constant.

“During our time in the yard, there was beating. When going to the bathroom, there was beating. If we sat on the floor, we got beaten. If you look at the light, you are beaten,” he said. He was once thrown into solitary for simply praying in his cell.

“Everything is considered a violation,” he said. “Your life is one big violation to them.”

He said that in his first year in the prison guards would call out hundreds of names over the course of days. One officer told him it was for executions.

When he was freed Sunday, he thought he was dreaming. “We never thought we would see this moment. We thought we would be executed, one by one.”

Noha Qweidar and her cousin sat in the yard on Monday, taking a rest from searching. Their husbands were detained in 2013 and 2015. Qweidar said she had received word from other inmates that her husband was killed in a summary execution in prison.

But she couldn’t know for sure. Prisoners reported dead in the past have turned up alive.

“I heard that (he was executed) but I still have hope he is alive.”

Just before sundown on Monday, rescue teams brought in an excavator to dig deeper.

But late at night, the White Helmets announced the end of their search, saying in a statement they had found no hidden areas in the facility.

“We share the profound disappointment of the families of the thousands who remain missing and whose fates are unknown.”

An arial view shows the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

An arial view shows the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

People walks into the basement of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People walks into the basement of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman looks through a list of names in a document found on the floor at the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman looks through a list of names in a document found on the floor at the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Two men use their flashlights to inspect a corridor of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Two men use their flashlights to inspect a corridor of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A man shows two ropes tied in the shape of nooses, found in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A man shows two ropes tied in the shape of nooses, found in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People with relatives who were imprisoned wait outside the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People with relatives who were imprisoned wait outside the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People stand outside the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People stand outside the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People inspects documents they found in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People inspects documents they found in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A line of people heads toward the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A line of people heads toward the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Two women, whose relatives were imprisoned, react outside the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Two women, whose relatives were imprisoned, react outside the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Two insurgent fighters examine documents scattered on the floor, searching for the names of government officers at the infamous Saydnaya military prison, located just north of Damascus, Syria, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering outside the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Two insurgent fighters examine documents scattered on the floor, searching for the names of government officers at the infamous Saydnaya military prison, located just north of Damascus, Syria, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering outside the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A prosthetic leg and a stretcher lie on the floor in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A prosthetic leg and a stretcher lie on the floor in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman looks at blankets and other clothes lying on the floor in a room of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman looks at blankets and other clothes lying on the floor in a room of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People inspect documents they found in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People inspect documents they found in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A man breaks the lock of a cell in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A man breaks the lock of a cell in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman looks at a room of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman looks at a room of the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman examines the cells at the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman examines the cells at the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the "human slaughterhouse," after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels' overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

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