Bashar al-Assad flees Syria and seeks asylum in Moscow as rebel forces advance

Bashar al-Assad, the former president of Syria, has fled to Moscow and been granted asylum by Russia. This follows a rapid rebel offensive that ended his family's long rule in Syria. The UN Security Council will meet to discuss the situation. Russian state media confirmed Assad's arrival in Moscow, stating he left Syria after stepping down. His family lost control after over 50 years of dictatorship. Russia has assured the safety of its military bases in Syria amid the changes. In response to the shifting power dynamics, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria. Thousands of Syrians celebrated Assad's downfall, marking a significant moment in the ongoing civil war.