Syria celebrates as rebel forces claim victory over Assad's regime

Syria's capital, Damascus, erupted in celebration as rebel forces claimed to have toppled President Bashar al-Assad. Residents cheered and fired guns into the air, marking a significant shift after 13 years of civil war and Assad's long rule. Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham led a rapid offensive, capturing major cities and entering Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Assad has fled, prompting jubilant scenes across the city, including the destruction of a statue of his father. International reactions include U.S. President Biden monitoring the situation and a senior UAE official urging cooperation to prevent chaos. The UN envoy emphasized the need for stable transitional arrangements as Syrians seek to rebuild their society.