Syrian rebels begin forming government after Assad's ouster

Syrian rebels are taking steps to form a government after the recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The transition follows a swift takeover of Damascus, surprising many, including UN diplomats. Assad has fled to Moscow, ending over 50 years of his family's rule. Rebel leaders are negotiating a power handover with Assad's prime minister, who has agreed to transfer authority to the rebel-led Salvation Government. The transitional authority will be led by Mohamed al-Bashir, with plans for a new governing structure still unclear. Syria's banks are set to reopen, signaling a tentative return to order. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has vowed to hold accountable those involved in torture during the civil war, while also seeking to improve its image to gain international support.