Syrian rebels captured Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia after 13 years of civil war and six decades of family rule, Reuters reports.
The fall of Assad’s regime could lead to the return of millions of Syrian refugees and a potential end to a conflict that killed hundreds of thousands. Celebrations erupted in Damascus, freeing thousands of prisoners and tearing down Assad imagery in the capital. The rebel coalition, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is working to establish a transitional government. However, challenges remain, as rebuilding a war-torn Syria will require substantial aid and infrastructure efforts.
Russia and Iran, key backers of Assad during the war, have lost crucial strategic footholds, with Russia’s attention divided by the war in Ukraine and Iran’s weakened position following losses in Gaza and Lebanon.
