Assad resigns and flees Syria as opposition forces advance on Damascus, Russia reports
Bashar Assad has resigned and fled Syria, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry. This follows a rapid advance by opposition forces into the capital, Damascus, with little resistance from Assad's regime. Assad had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, and his family had been in power for over 50 years. His current location is unknown, with some reports suggesting he may have died in a plane crash. Russia is urging all parties to avoid violence and seek political solutions to governance issues in Syria.