Bashar al-Assad ousted as rebel forces advance in Syria

Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, has been ousted amid a rapid advance by rebel forces, according to state television. Reports indicate he fled Damascus as Islamist-led opposition entered the capital, ending over 50 years of his family's rule. Assad's regime faced significant challenges in recent weeks, with his military unable to withstand the rebel offensive. His departure marks a dramatic shift in Syria's power dynamics, as he had relied on support from Russia and Iran throughout the civil war. The civil war has resulted in over 600,000 deaths and displaced millions. Assad's fall could impact Iran's influence in the region, as he was a key ally. The situation remains fluid as the country faces an uncertain future.