Bashar Al-Assad flees Syria as rebels declare end of his regime

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad fled the country as rebels declared the end of his 24-year regime on December 8, 2024. Reports indicate he left Damascus by air for an unknown location as rebel forces entered the city without resistance. The rebels celebrated their victory, claiming control of key areas, including the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace. They also freed prisoners from a notorious military prison. The Syrian Prime Minister called for free elections and reached out to rebel leaders for a transition of power. This sudden shift follows a 13-day offensive by Islamist-led rebels, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing civil war. The U.S. plans to maintain its presence in eastern Syria amid concerns over potential instability.