France celebrates fall of Assad and urges unity in Syria's transition

France has welcomed the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, marking the end of over 50 years of Baath party rule. Rebel leaders announced the liberation of Damascus, claiming Assad has fled the country. The French Foreign Ministry called for unity among Syrian factions and a peaceful political transition. President Emmanuel Macron praised the Syrian people's courage and expressed hopes for peace and freedom. In response to the situation, Lebanon has closed most of its land borders with Syria, while Jordan has also shut a border crossing. These developments follow significant territorial gains by opposition forces.