Rebel forces advance in Damascus as Assad flees to Russia amid regime collapse

Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria is ending as rebel forces rapidly advanced into Damascus, forcing him to flee to Russia. His military largely abandoned their positions, leading to a swift takeover by various rebel groups. The conflict, which has lasted over a decade, saw significant foreign involvement from countries like the U.S., Russia, and Iran. However, recent distractions, such as Iran's conflict with Israel, weakened support for Assad, allowing rebels to gain ground. With Assad's regime collapsing, the future of Syria is uncertain. The opposition is fragmented into numerous groups, and challenges remain in establishing a stable government amid potential violence against Assad loyalists.