Rebels capture Damascus as Assad flees to Russia marking a shift in Syrian conflict

Syria's civil war took a dramatic turn as rebels captured Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia. This marks a significant shift after 13 years of conflict and five decades of Baathist rule. Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leader of the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, delivered a victory speech in the Umayyad Mosque. He declared a "new history" for Syria and emphasized the people's rightful ownership of their country. Al-Julani, once linked to al-Qaeda, has sought to present a more moderate image. He criticized Iran's influence in Syria and called for unity among Syrians, signaling a potential shift in the region's political landscape.