Syrians celebrate as rebels declare fall of Assad and enter looted palaces

Celebrations erupted across Syria on Sunday as rebels declared the fall of President Bashar al-Assad and his departure from the country. Crowds cheered in Damascus, marking the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule. Following the announcement, many Syrians entered Assad's looted palaces, taking photos and items from the luxurious homes. The rooms were largely empty, with only some furniture remaining and portraits of Assad discarded. Statues of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar's father, were toppled in various cities, including Jaramana and Aleppo. Residents celebrated the destruction of these symbols of the Assad regime, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape.