Syrians celebrate as rebel forces advance into Damascus, ending Assad family's 50-year rule

Syrians celebrated in the streets on Sunday as rebel forces advanced into Damascus, marking the end of the Assad family's 50-year rule. Crowds waved revolutionary flags and fired celebratory gunshots, while some looted the presidential palace. President Bashar Assad's whereabouts are unknown, with reports suggesting he fled the country after negotiations with rebels. The rebels announced a curfew in Damascus and claimed to have released prisoners from Saydnaya prison, where many were reportedly tortured. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is now positioned to influence Syria's future. The international community is calling for an orderly political transition, with discussions involving key regional players already underway.