Syrian rebels declare victory as Assad flees Damascus, calls for free elections emerge

Syrian rebels have declared the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after taking control of Damascus, forcing him to flee. This marks the end of the Assad family's decades-long rule amid a civil war that has lasted over 13 years. The rebels reported entering the capital without military resistance, leading to celebrations among citizens. They also freed prisoners from a government jail and stormed Iran's embassy, signaling a significant shift in power dynamics in Syria. Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has called for free elections, indicating a potential transition in governance. The situation remains complex, with various factions vying for influence in the war-torn nation.