Bashar Assad flees Syria, ending 14-year rule amid civil war turmoil

Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country on Sunday, ending his nearly 14-year rule amid a brutal civil war. His departure marks a significant shift after years of his government regaining control over most of Syria, despite ongoing opposition in some regions. Assad's exit follows a surprise offensive by opposition groups in northwest Syria, which quickly overwhelmed government forces. This change comes as Assad's allies, including Russia and Iran, were preoccupied with other conflicts and did not intervene decisively. Assad initially appeared as a reformer when he took power in 2000 but resorted to violent repression during the 2011 protests. His regime has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, contributing to the deaths of nearly half a million people and displacing millions.