Plane vanishes off radar as Bashar al-Assad reportedly flees Syria

A plane possibly carrying ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad vanished off radar shortly after taking off from Damascus. This occurred as rebel forces declared victory and seized control of the capital, marking the end of Assad's 24-year rule. Conflicting reports about Assad's fate have emerged. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed he stepped down and fled, while some sources suggest he may have died in a crash. The plane's disappearance remains unconfirmed, with speculation about its transponder being turned off. Rebel forces have taken control of key cities, including Homs, and are now searching for Assad. The Syrian Prime Minister has expressed readiness to transfer power to the rebels, who are celebrating their victory and calling for a new, democratic Syria.