Bashar al-Assad flees Syria as rebels seize Damascus, ending 50 years of family rule

Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria as rebels captured the capital, Damascus, ending over 50 years of Assad family rule. His departure marks a significant shift in the region's history, following a rapid insurgent advance. Assad's regime, known for its brutality, began with his father, Hafez al-Assad, who seized power in 1970. Bashar took over in 2000 but failed to implement promised reforms, leading to widespread dissent and a violent crackdown during the Arab Spring in 2011. The civil war that followed resulted in over 300,000 deaths and millions displaced. Assad's reliance on foreign support from Russia and Iran has now faltered, leading to celebrations in the streets as his regime collapses.