Assad reportedly flees to Russia as rebels take control of Damascus

Syrian President Bashar Assad has reportedly fled to Russia, where he has been granted asylum, following the takeover of Damascus by rebel groups. This marks the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule. The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Syria after the rebels' rapid advances. The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 pm local time. Rebel groups have imposed a curfew in Damascus and celebrated their victory. The leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham declared the event a historic victory for the region.