The long rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is over, 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 US 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. Orignal Source