Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reportedly leaves country as rebel groups advance

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups. They stated he transferred power peacefully, although Russia did not participate in the talks. Russian troops in Syria are now on high alert, but the ministry reported no serious threat to their military bases. This follows significant unrest, including a mob storming the presidential palace in Damascus. Assad, who ruled for nearly 24 years, reportedly left the country with his family on an aircraft to an undisclosed location. Rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have advanced into the capital for the first time since 2018.