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 devastating civil war. His departure marks a significant shift after years of his government regaining control over most of Syria, despite ongoing opposition in the northwest. Assad's exit follows a surprise offensive by opposition groups in late November, which quickly overwhelmed government forces. His allies, including Russia and Iran, were reportedly preoccupied with other conflicts and did not intervene decisively to support him. Assad initially appeared as a reformer when he took power in 2000, but his regime became known for brutal crackdowns on dissent. The civil war has resulted in nearly half a million deaths and displaced millions, leaving Syria fragmented and deeply affected by external influences.