Syrians celebrate in Damascus as opposition fighters enter capital and Assad's whereabouts remain unknown

Crowds in Damascus celebrated the fall of Bashar Assad's government on December 8, 2024, after opposition fighters entered the capital. Assad reportedly fled the city early Sunday, and his current location is unknown. This marks the first time opposition forces have reached Damascus since 2018. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the opposition's advance, which included the capture of Homs. Neighboring countries, including Lebanon and Jordan, have closed border crossings with Syria amid the unrest. The International Committee of the Red Cross called for safe humanitarian access in the region. Iran stated that the Syrian people should determine their future without foreign interference. Meanwhile, Israel announced it has taken control of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, citing the collapse of the ceasefire agreement with Syria.