Assad regime collapses in Syria as rebels seize control of Damascus in under two weeks

The Assad regime in Syria has collapsed after 50 years of rule, with rebel forces swiftly taking control of the capital, Damascus, in less than two weeks. The regime's forces were caught off guard, leading President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia. The uprising began on November 27 with a large-scale attack by rebels in western Aleppo, marking the start of their offensive. By December 8, rebels had captured key cities, including Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, before entering Damascus with minimal resistance. Rebel leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani declared the fall of Assad a victory for the Islamic nation. Celebrations erupted across Syria as citizens welcomed the end of the Assad family's dictatorship.