Bashar al-Assad reportedly leaves Syria as rebels seize control of Damascus

Bashar al-Assad has reportedly "stepped down" and left Syria, according to a statement from Russia. This announcement follows the capture of Damascus by rebel forces, marking a significant shift in the Syrian conflict. Assad has not been seen since a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister a week ago. Reports indicate that a plane believed to carry him departed from Damascus International Airport shortly after the rebels took control. Flight data shows a Syrian Air cargo plane took off early Sunday, but its destination remains unclear. The plane's transponder signal was lost near Homs, with no reports of a crash in the area.