Bashar Assad ousted in bloodless coup as rebels seize control of Damascus

Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted from power in a bloodless coup by Islamist rebels on Sunday. The rebels, known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, quickly took control of Damascus after Assad fled the city. This change comes after 13 years of civil war, which has resulted in over 500,000 deaths and millions of displaced Syrians. Assad's loss of support from key allies like Iran and Russia contributed to the rebels' swift takeover. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali remains in place and expressed willingness to transfer power to a transitional government. State media reported that all political prisoners have been released following Assad's overthrow.