Assad's government collapses as insurgents capture Damascus after 14 years of conflict

Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria has collapsed after 14 years of conflict. Insurgents rapidly advanced from a rebel-held area, capturing cities and entering Damascus with little resistance. Assad has reportedly fled to Moscow. This sudden shift ends over 50 years of Assad family rule. The Syrian army disintegrated as opposition forces gained ground. Previously, Assad had regained control of much of Syria with support from Iran and Russia. The conflict, which began with protests in 2011, has resulted in over half a million deaths and displaced millions. The recent developments mark a significant change in the long-standing civil war.