Syrian rebels capture Damascus as Assad flees to Russia

Syrian rebel groups have captured Damascus, leading to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime after 14 years of civil war. Assad fled to Russia, while celebrations erupted in the capital as civilians welcomed the rebels and freed prisoners. The rebel offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has claimed to seek a more moderate governance approach. However, doubts remain about their commitment to equality and cooperation with other factions amid concerns of a power struggle in the aftermath of Assad's ousting. The situation poses risks for various groups, including the Kurdish population and regional powers like Turkey, Russia, and Iran. The U.S. continues to target ISIS remnants while maintaining a military presence, amid fears that instability could allow the group to regain strength.