Syria's Assad government collapses as insurgents seize major cities

Syria's government, led by President Bashar Assad for 24 years, has rapidly collapsed as insurgents advanced from a rebel-held area to seize control of major cities, including Aleppo and Hama. Assad reportedly fled the country amid the chaos. The offensive, primarily led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, began with a large-scale attack in northwestern Syria. The rebels faced little resistance as they captured territory, including Aleppo, for the first time since 2016. As the insurgents encircled Damascus, the Syrian military attempted to regroup but faced significant setbacks. Diplomatic talks involving regional powers are underway, while the Syrian government claims it is still in control despite reports of Assad's overthrow.