Rebels swiftly overthrow Assad regime in Syria as dictator flees to Russia

Rebels in Syria have swiftly overthrown President Bashar al-Assad's regime in just eight days, marking a significant shift after 50 years of his rule. Assad has reportedly fled to Russia, where he is seeking asylum. The main rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has historical ties to Al-Qaeda and is designated a terrorist organization in Australia. Despite this, HTS claims to seek a more moderate governance structure, but concerns remain about their true intentions. The situation in Syria is now unstable, with various powers vying for influence. The U.S. has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State targets, indicating ongoing tensions. The future of Syria remains uncertain as different factions may compete for control.