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 distracted by other conflicts, leading to a lack of support for Assad's regime. Assad came to power in 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez Assad. Initially seen as a potential reformer, he resorted to violent repression during the 2011 protests, which escalated into a brutal civil war that has resulted in nearly half a million deaths and widespread displacement.