Assad flees to Russia as rebels seize control of Damascus

Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow as rebels took control of Damascus, ending his family's 54-year rule in Syria. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham led the offensive, raising their flag over the capital. Assad's departure marks a significant shift, as his main allies, Russia and Iran, reportedly abandoned him. The Free Syrian Army will allow Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali to manage the government during the transition. Rebel forces now face challenges in uniting a divided country and governing the territories they have captured. The U.S. has conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria to prevent the group from exploiting the situation.