Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia as rebels seize control of Damascus

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow as Islamist-led rebels took control of Damascus, marking a significant shift in the country's civil war. This change ends over 50 years of Assad family rule and has sparked celebrations across Syria. Russia has granted asylum to Assad and his family, according to Russian media. The U.S. has stated that Assad should be held accountable for his actions during the war, which has left Syria in a state of devastation. The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today to discuss the situation in Syria. The rebels now face the challenge of rebuilding a country ravaged by conflict and in need of substantial international aid.