Mon Dec 09 10:56:53 UTC 2024: ## Assad Flees Syria After Rebel Takeover, Russia Says

**Damascus, Syria** – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country following a swift rebel takeover of the capital, Damascus, ending his 24-year rule and the Assad family’s 50-year reign. The rebels, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control on Sunday, December 8th, after an 11-day offensive that began on November 27th.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Assad left Syria after issuing orders for a peaceful transfer of power following negotiations with rebel groups. Assad and his family have reportedly arrived in Moscow. The statement from Russia contrasts with reports of widespread chaos and looting in Damascus following the fall of the government.

Rebel forces captured Hama and Aleppo before taking Damascus. After securing the capital, the rebels announced Assad’s removal from power on state television and released prisoners. A rebel commander, Anas Salakhadi, pledged on television to treat all citizens equally, promising an end to the discrimination under the Assad regime.

The speed of the takeover has shocked observers. Assad, who brutally suppressed a 2013 uprising, was ousted in just 11 days. Celebrations erupted in the streets of Damascus as citizens waved revolutionary flags, reminiscent of the Arab Spring uprisings. The future of Syria now rests with HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, who once had ties to al-Qaeda. Russia, a close ally of Assad, has expressed concern about the situation and urged all parties to refrain from violence and find a peaceful political resolution.

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