Rebel fighters reach Damascus as Assad flees after 13 years of civil war

On December 8, rebel fighters reached Syria's capital, Damascus, from both the south and north. This marked a significant moment in the 13-year civil war, as it led to President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the city. The main groups involved included Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Syrian National Army, and the Syrian Democratic Forces. These groups had previously united against Assad's regime but now have differing goals and ideologies. The fall of Damascus ends over 50 years of Assad family rule in Syria. The situation reflects the complex dynamics among the various rebel factions in the ongoing conflict.