Syrian rebels take control of Damascus as Assad reportedly flees the country

Syrian rebels have taken control of Damascus, leading to the reported flight of President Bashar al-Assad from the country. Russia confirmed that Assad has left and called for a peaceful transition of power. Celebrations erupted in Damascus as crowds toppled statues of Assad. The rebel coalition announced the liberation of the city in a televised address, while Syrians stormed the Iranian embassy. The Syrian Prime Minister expressed readiness to cooperate during the transition. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces have increased their presence in the buffer zone with Syria.