Bashar al-Assad reportedly flees to Moscow after regime collapse in Syria

Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled Syria and is now in Moscow, according to Russian state media. This follows the collapse of his regime as rebel fighters took control of Damascus over the weekend. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated that Assad resigned and left Syria after negotiations with the rebels. They claimed Moscow did not participate in these talks and that Assad's departure was part of a peaceful transfer of power. Celebrations erupted in Syria as crowds marked the end of the Assad family's 50-year rule. Assad's presidency began in 2000, following his father's long tenure, and the country has been in civil war since 2011.