Bashar al-Assad flees Syria as rebel forces seize control of Damascus

President Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria after 13 years of civil war, as rebel forces rapidly advanced and seized control of Damascus. This marks the end of Assad's regime, which had been supported by Russia and Iran. Celebrations erupted across Syria and among the diaspora in Europe following Assad's departure. Many are now searching for loved ones who were imprisoned under his rule, as reports emerge of political prisoners being freed from notorious jails. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham now leads the country, but its future plans remain unclear. The U.S. has welcomed Assad's fall while expressing caution about potential instability. Russia and Iran have also lost significant influence in the region.