President Assad flees as Syrian rebels capture Damascus

The long rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was overpowered on Sunday, December 8, 2024, after rebels swept into the capital Damascus.

The fighters declared the city “liberated” in a statement carried on state television. Syrians have been celebrating in the streets.

Russia, one of Assad’s main allies, says he has left Syria and gave instructions “to transfer power peacefully”. His exact whereabouts are unknown.

Syria’s Prime Minister said in a recorded message that the government stands ready “to cooperate with any leadership the people choose”.

He was seen in a video being escorted by rebels. The rebels – who are led by Islamists – have said minorities will be protected.

One United States official told CNN that events in Syria mark the collapse of “Iran’s artifice” across the Middle East.

The toppling of the Iran-backed Assad follows the decimation of key Tehran proxies Hezbollah and Hamas in conflicts with Israel over the past 14 months.

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U.S. President Joe Biden is set to receive an update from his national security team on the extraordinary developments in Syria, the White House said.

“President Biden will meet with his national security team this morning to receive an update on the situation on Syria,” National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said on X.

The Biden administration is keenly aware that the end of the Assad regime – and what happens next – could fundamentally reshape the balance of power in the Middle East.

Biden has been closely monitoring the “extraordinary” events, Savett said in an earlier statement, adding that the administration has been “in constant touch with regional partners”.

The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson issued an “urgent warning” to residents in southern Syria on Sunday.

In a post on X, Avichay Adraee issued warnings for five areas. This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the country’s military to seize the buffer zone on Israel’s border with Syria on Sunday.

Addressing Syrian citizens, Adraee said: “Fighting in your area is forcing the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to take action, and we do not intend to harm you.

“For your safety, please remain in your homes and do not go outside until further notice.”

The Star