Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leads offensive that topples Assad's government in Syria

Bashar Assad's government in Syria collapsed on Sunday after 24 years in power, as rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of Damascus. Assad has reportedly fled to Moscow, where he was granted asylum. HTS, designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and the U.N., has sought to present a more moderate image. Led by Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the group has controlled Idlib Province and established a governance model aimed at gaining international legitimacy. Jolani has distanced HTS from its past ties to Al Qaeda, promoting inclusivity and a peaceful transition of power. However, doubts remain about the group's true nature and its ability to unify the diverse opposition in Syria.