Biden calls for accountability for deposed Syrian leader Assad after rebel takeover

US President Joe Biden stated that deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" following his overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition. Biden described the situation as a "historic opportunity" for Syria to rebuild and transition away from Assad's government. Biden announced that US forces conducted airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, targeting over 75 locations. He emphasized the need for vigilance against potential terrorist threats and acknowledged concerns about hardline Islamist groups among the victorious rebels. The US military maintains around 900 troops in Syria and is monitoring the situation, including the potential risk of chemical weapons falling into rebel hands. Biden also confirmed that American journalist Austin Tice, abducted in 2012, is believed to still be alive.