Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia as rebels capture Damascus, ending 24-year rule

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on Sunday after rebels captured Damascus, ending his 24-year rule. Reports indicated he initially boarded a plane that took off from Damascus airport but later disappeared from tracking. After hours of speculation, it was confirmed that Assad and his family are in Moscow, where they have been granted asylum by Russia. This development follows a rapid offensive by rebels that began on November 27, leading to the fall of key cities. The rebels' success culminated in the capture of Damascus, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics in Syria. Assad's allies, including Iran and Russia, had previously advised their citizens to leave the country due to escalating violence.