Syrian rebel forces have entered Damascus amid reports that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country by plane for an unknown destination after 13 years of civil war. Watch for more details!

Syria Civil War: What Led to the Collapse of Assad Regime

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil".

Netanyahu said the events are "a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's main supporters. It has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East, empowering those seeking to break free from this oppressive regime."

He spoke on a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

In recent months, Israel has killed commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as the senior leaders of Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Tehran.

The Israeli premier said Assad's overthrow "presents significant new opportunities" for Israel "but is not without risks".&nbsp;

He said his country was "pursuing a good neighbour policy".

"We extend a hand of peace to our Druze neighbours, who are brothers to our Druze citizens in Israel. We also extend this hand of peace to Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who wish to live peacefully with Israel," he added.

Syria is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country with significant minorities of Christians, Alawites, and Kurds, as well as the Druze, an ethno-religious Arab minority group with significant populations in Israel and Lebanon, and others.

"We will closely monitor developments and take the necessary steps to defend our border and our security," Netanyahu said.

He also said he had ordered the military to take control of a demilitarised buffer zone on the Syrian border.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking on the same trip, said of Iran: "Its tentacles are being severed one by one."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-men-escort-syrian-pm-to-hotel-after-bashar-flees-country-782498">Armed men escort Syrian PM to hotel after Bashar flees country</a>

Islamist-led Syrian rebels overthrew more than five decades of rule by Assad and his father Hafez in a lightning offensive that began on November 27, dramatically overturning a years-long stalemate in the civil war that began in 2011.

Assad was propped up by substantial military support from Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, as well as by the Russian military from 2015 onwards.

The Israeli military killed long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a massive air strike on Beirut in September.

Since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting the army and Iran-backed groups.&nbsp;

The military intensified such strikes after almost a year of hostilities with Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon escalated in late September, before a ceasefire took effect on November 27, the same day Syria's rebel advance began.

Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the country.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil". Netanyahu said the events are "a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's main supporters. It has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East, empowering those seeking to break free from this oppressive regime." He spoke on a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In recent months, Israel has killed commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as the senior leaders of Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Tehran. The Israeli premier said Assad's overthrow "presents significant new opportunities" for Israel "but is not without risks". He said his country was "pursuing a good neighbour policy". "We extend a hand of peace to our Druze neighbours, who are brothers to our Druze citizens in Israel. We also extend this hand of peace to Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who wish to live peacefully with Israel," he added. Syria is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country with significant minorities of Christians, Alawites, and Kurds, as well as the Druze, an ethno-religious Arab minority group with significant populations in Israel and Lebanon, and others. "We will closely monitor developments and take the necessary steps to defend our border and our security," Netanyahu said. He also said he had ordered the military to take control of a demilitarised buffer zone on the Syrian border. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking on the same trip, said of Iran: "Its tentacles are being severed one by one." Also read | Armed men escort Syrian PM to hotel after Bashar flees country Islamist-led Syrian rebels overthrew more than five decades of rule by Assad and his father Hafez in a lightning offensive that began on November 27, dramatically overturning a years-long stalemate in the civil war that began in 2011. Assad was propped up by substantial military support from Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, as well as by the Russian military from 2015 onwards. The Israeli military killed long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a massive air strike on Beirut in September. Since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting the army and Iran-backed groups. The military intensified such strikes after almost a year of hostilities with Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon escalated in late September, before a ceasefire took effect on November 27, the same day Syria's rebel advance began. Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Historic day’: Israeli PM Netanyahu on overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria

Syrians Take To The Streets to Celebrate Rebel Victory

Syria's currency plummets as conflict and sanctions take a toll. The country is struggling with hyperinflation as economic policies falter. Watch for more details!

Sanctions & Civil War Leave Syrian Pound in Freefall

Syrian Rebels Take Key Military Bases Amid Damascus Takeover

Damascus Falls: Syrian Rebels Take Control After 13-Year War

Syria Civil War: Syria's Chaos Forces Regional Borders to Close

Syria Civil War: Bashar Al-Assad Flees as Rebels Declare Victory in Syria

Syria Civil War: Neighboring Countries Tighten Borders as Syria Collapses

Reports Claim Syrian President Assad Has Fled Damascus

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had stepped down from office and left the country, following his directive for a peaceful transfer of power. Watch for more details!

BREAKING: Russia Confirms Syrian President Assad Resigned After Talks With Stakeholders

In 2011, a 14-year-old boy named Mouawiya Syasneh did a rebellious act against an authoritarian regime in the streets of Daraa, southern Syria. He spray-painted a wall with the words, "Ejak el door, ya doctor" (It's your turn, Doctor), which sparked a civil war in the region, leading to reshaping the country's destiny.

In 2011, a 14-year-old boy named Mouawiya Syasneh did a rebellious act against an authoritarian regime in the streets of Daraa, southern Syria. He spray-painted a wall with the words, "Ejak el door, ya doctor" (It's your turn, Doctor), which sparked a civil war in the region, leading to reshaping the country's destiny. The spray painting was for President Bashar al-Assad, and it was a reference to his medical background. The graffiti was born out of years of frustration, as it was a way to express themselves for Mouawiya and his friends, who were abused by the authoritarian police. But that act of rebellion against Assad's regime brought a brutal response. Police detained Mouawiya and his friends for 26 days, tortured them, and thrashed them. Their parents and residents protested their arrest, but in response, they were targeted with tear gas and bullets. The boys' arrest became a rallying cry as protests erupted not only in Daraa but across entire Syria. March 15, 2011, was the day Syria experienced its first coordinated "Day of Rage," which transformed local unrest into a nationwide moment. The demands were: freedom and an end to Assad's regime. Emergence of extremist groups Watch | Syrian Rebels Claim to Have Captured Damascus, Saying President Assad Has Fled × The response that came against the moment was brutal. Peaceful protesters were fired at openly by security forces. Countless Syrians were arrested and tortured. The moment was inspired by the Arab Spring (an anti-government protest across the Arab world). Eventually, it turned into a bloody conflict as opposition forces came into the picture in response to the Assad regime's brutality. In July 2011, defectors from Assad's military formed the Free Syrian Army (FSA). However, they lacked unity and funding. Taking advantage of this, extremist groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra and eventually the Islamic State flourished in the region. Present scenario After 12 years, Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec. 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners. In their TV address, they referred to Assad as a "tyrant" and also urged for the protection of state property. (With inputs from agencies)

How a 14-year-old's graffiti sparked an uprising that ultimately led to Al-Assad's fall in Syria

Syrian Rebels Seize Damascus, Marking End of Assad's Rule

The Syrian opposition flag was unfurled at the Syrian embassy in Athens, Greece, on Sunday, hours after Islamist-led rebels declared they had taken Damascus, ending the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

Greek state news agency ANA said at least three men had entered the embassy and unfurled the flag, which was seen hanging from the roof of the building.

Officers were sent to the scene, and three men were&nbsp;detained, it added.

The police did not respond to AFP requests for comment.

One man was seen on an embassy balcony clutching a portrait of Assad and shouting "dictator".

Syrians who fled to Greece when the Assad regime was installed in 1970 came to the embassy to celebrate.

"The dictator escaped. It is over... A new dawn rises for Syria," said Maarouf Alobeid, a cardiologist who has lived in Greece for four decades.&nbsp;

"I came running from my home... The thirst of the Syrian people for freedom, for democracy... cannot be described," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-the-syrian-rebels-who-overthrew-bashar-al-assads-24-year-old-regime-782421">Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime in two weeks?</a>

"Twenty-four million Syrians didn't sleep all night," said Nader Halbouni, a senior official from the Syrian community in Greece.

A gathering by Syrians in Greece was scheduled for later on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of Syrians fled to Greece in the 2015 mass migration wave, most of them aiming to reach Germany and other wealthy European Union states.

According to the migration ministry, over 15,000 Syrians currently have residence permits in Greece.

<h2>Iranian state media says Damascus embassy&nbsp;'attacked'</h2>

Iran's embassy in Syria was "attacked" on Sunday, Iranian state TV said, after Islamist-led rebels declared the fall of Tehran ally Bashar al-Assad following a sweeping offensive that led to the fall of Damascus.

"Unknown individuals have attacked the Iranian embassy, as you can see in these images, shared by various networks," a state TV broadcaster said, showing footage said to be from inside the diplomatic compound.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Syrian opposition flag was unfurled at the Syrian embassy in Athens, Greece, on Sunday, hours after Islamist-led rebels declared they had taken Damascus, ending the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian opposition flag was unfurled at the Syrian embassy in Athens, Greece, on Sunday, hours after Islamist-led rebels declared they had taken Damascus, ending the rule of President Bashar al-Assad. Greek state news agency ANA said at least three men had entered the embassy and unfurled the flag, which was seen hanging from the roof of the building. Officers were sent to the scene, and three men were detained, it added. The police did not respond to AFP requests for comment. One man was seen on an embassy balcony clutching a portrait of Assad and shouting "dictator". Syrians who fled to Greece when the Assad regime was installed in 1970 came to the embassy to celebrate. "The dictator escaped. It is over... A new dawn rises for Syria," said Maarouf Alobeid, a cardiologist who has lived in Greece for four decades. "I came running from my home... The thirst of the Syrian people for freedom, for democracy... cannot be described," he said. Also read | Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime in two weeks? "Twenty-four million Syrians didn't sleep all night," said Nader Halbouni, a senior official from the Syrian community in Greece. A gathering by Syrians in Greece was scheduled for later on Sunday. Tens of thousands of Syrians fled to Greece in the 2015 mass migration wave, most of them aiming to reach Germany and other wealthy European Union states. According to the migration ministry, over 15,000 Syrians currently have residence permits in Greece. Iranian state media says Damascus embassy 'attacked' Iran's embassy in Syria was "attacked" on Sunday, Iranian state TV said, after Islamist-led rebels declared the fall of Tehran ally Bashar al-Assad following a sweeping offensive that led to the fall of Damascus. "Unknown individuals have attacked the Iranian embassy, as you can see in these images, shared by various networks," a state TV broadcaster said, showing footage said to be from inside the diplomatic compound. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syrian opposition flag unfurled at embassy in Greece

Syrian Rebels Claim They Have Taken Capital City Damascus

Syrian Rebels Claim to Have Captured Damascus, Saying President Assad Has Fled

Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners.&nbsp;

In their TV address, they referred to Assad as a "tyrant" and also urged for the protection of state property.&nbsp;

The development came after a wave of intense clashes and strategic advancements by the rebel forces in Damascus and surrounding areas.

A group of individuals appeared on state television and made the announcement of "the liberation of the city of Damascus and the fall of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad and the release of all the unjustly detained from the regime prisons", reading a statement from the "Damascus Conquest operations room".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-the-syrian-rebels-who-overthrew-bashar-al-assads-24-year-old-regime-782421">Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime?</a>

The rebels called on fighters and citizens to safeguard the "property of the free Syrian state".

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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It's over for Bashar. 
 
Syrian state TV airs video announcing Bashar al-Assad’s fall. <a href="https://t.co/zJtx2kPI1X">pic.twitter.com/zJtx2kPI1X</a>
— Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1865635634888552513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>Syrian state TV proclaims 'victory' of rebellion</h2>

Syrian state television on Sunday declared "victory" of Syria's rebellion and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which they termed "criminal."&nbsp;

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Inside Syria state tv - now under rebel control <a href="https://t.co/hUaBV4iM7q">pic.twitter.com/hUaBV4iM7q</a>
— Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeinakhodrAljaz/status/1865684493735981368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Victory of the great Syrian revolution and the fall of the criminal Assad regime," read the full-screen message in large white writing on a mainly red background.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners.

Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners. In their TV address, they referred to Assad as a "tyrant" and also urged for the protection of state property. The development came after a wave of intense clashes and strategic advancements by the rebel forces in Damascus and surrounding areas. A group of individuals appeared on state television and made the announcement of "the liberation of the city of Damascus and the fall of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad and the release of all the unjustly detained from the regime prisons", reading a statement from the "Damascus Conquest operations room". Also read: Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime? The rebels called on fighters and citizens to safeguard the "property of the free Syrian state". Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. It's over for Bashar. Syrian state TV airs video announcing Bashar al-Assad’s fall. pic.twitter.com/zJtx2kPI1X — Clash Report (@clashreport) December 8, 2024 × Syrian state TV proclaims 'victory' of rebellion Syrian state television on Sunday declared "victory" of Syria's rebellion and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which they termed "criminal." Inside Syria state tv - now under rebel control pic.twitter.com/hUaBV4iM7q — Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) December 8, 2024 × "Victory of the great Syrian revolution and the fall of the criminal Assad regime," read the full-screen message in large white writing on a mainly red background. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Syrian rebels appear on state TV, say toppled 'tyrant' Bashar al-Assad

On the morning of Sunday (Dec 8), Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was nowhere to be found in Damascus when the rebel forces stormed the capital city after taking over five other cities in a span of a few days.

As the leader now appeared to have been left to fend for himself, the sequence of tumultuous events marked the end of the 24-year rule of the man who has often been called a "tyrant".

Years ago, it was the same President Assad who spearheaded the merciless crackdown on the people who were carrying out the pro-democracy revolt that soon turned into one of the bloodiest wars of the century and eventually toppled the leader.

President&nbsp; Assad faced nationwide protests demanding his resignation and also battled an armed rebellion. He eventually crushed it, and took back control of much of the country embroiled in the civil war which had started in 2011.

<h2>Who is Bashar al-Assad?</h2>

Bashar al-Assad became the president of Syria in 2000 after his father Hafez al-Assad, who was the country's ruler for almost 30 years, died of a heart attack in the same year.

Bashar was born in Damascus on 11 September 1965, and was the second son of Hafez, the leader of the Ba'ath Party and a military officer who became Syria's president after a coup in 1971.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-13-year-war-a-timeline-of-key-events-since-2011-782392">Syria's 13-year civil war: Timeline of key events since 2011 - What you should know</a>

The Assad family came from the Shia minority sect of Alawites. Shias are only around&nbsp;13 per cent of the population. But the Alawites, and particularly the Assad family, are known to have been dominant in politics since the 1960s.

Bashar studied in a school in Damascus and completed his medical degree specialising in&nbsp; ophthalmology from the University of Damascus in 1988. He worked as an army doctor and later shifted to London in 1992 for further studies.

Bashar's older brother Basil, who was expected to succeed their father, lost his life in a car accident in 1994.&nbsp;

<h2>Bashar al-Assad comes to power&nbsp;</h2>

The then 29-year-old Bashar came back to Syria to take the place of his brother. After his father's death on June 10, 2000, the Syrian parliament amended the constitution swiftly and decreased the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 34 to bring Bashar al-Assad to the helm.

On July 11, 2000, Bashar officially took office and became commander-in-chief of the military and the leader of the Ba'ath Party. As soon as he came to power, Bashar refused to adopt democracy as a model for Syria.&nbsp;

He followed the hardline stance of his father on the conflict between Syria and Israel, and also opposed the US invasion of Iraq.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/damascus-falls-syrian-rebels-announce-capital-city-free-pm-says-ready-for-handover-782370">Damascus falls: Syrian rebels announce capital city 'free', PM says ready for handover</a>

Assad's regime also saw strained relations between Syria and Lebanon after the involvement of Damascus was suspected in the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri as Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon.

<h2>Civil war in Syria&nbsp;</h2>

Mass protests started in Syria in March 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring. Initially, Assad promised to bring reforms like releasing political prisoners and abolishing emergency laws, however, violence escalated against the protesters.

Troops and tanks were deployed by the government as Assad played the role of a victim of what he called an international conspiracy.&nbsp;

The armed opposition groups picked up the momentum by September 2011 and it soon turned into a full-blown civil war by mid-2012.

Hundreds were killed near Damascus in August 2019 in attacks which involved chemical weapons, which led to calls for international military action.&nbsp;

The United States, Russia and Syria signed an agreement as per which the country's chemical weapons were placed under international control.

Watch:&nbsp;Syrian Army Command Tells Officers That Assad's Rule Has Ended, Officer Says

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-army-command-tells-officers-that-assads-rule-has-ended-officer-says-782396/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even after this, indiscriminate use of weapons was seen in the war, including barrel bombs dropped by Assad's forces in rebel-controlled areas.

A controversial measure, Law 10, was also implemented in which the government was free to seize property from the displaced Syrians which were then redistributed to loyalists.

Elections were held by Assad in June 2014 which kept him in power, but the polls were widely believed to be a sham.

After 13 long years, the Syrian rebel forces finally stormed into Damascus and toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime which marked the historic end of the Assad family's 50-year rule of Syria.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

On the morning of Sunday (Dec 8), Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was nowhere to be found in Damascus when the rebel forces stormed the capital city after taking over five other cities in a span of a few days.

On the morning of Sunday (Dec 8), Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was nowhere to be found in Damascus when the rebel forces stormed the capital city after taking over five other cities in a span of a few days. As the leader now appeared to have been left to fend for himself, the sequence of tumultuous events marked the end of the 24-year rule of the man who has often been called a "tyrant". Years ago, it was the same President Assad who spearheaded the merciless crackdown on the people who were carrying out the pro-democracy revolt that soon turned into one of the bloodiest wars of the century and eventually toppled the leader. President Assad faced nationwide protests demanding his resignation and also battled an armed rebellion. He eventually crushed it, and took back control of much of the country embroiled in the civil war which had started in 2011. Who is Bashar al-Assad? Bashar al-Assad became the president of Syria in 2000 after his father Hafez al-Assad, who was the country's ruler for almost 30 years, died of a heart attack in the same year. Bashar was born in Damascus on 11 September 1965, and was the second son of Hafez, the leader of the Ba'ath Party and a military officer who became Syria's president after a coup in 1971. Also Read: Syria's 13-year civil war: Timeline of key events since 2011 - What you should know The Assad family came from the Shia minority sect of Alawites. Shias are only around 13 per cent of the population. But the Alawites, and particularly the Assad family, are known to have been dominant in politics since the 1960s. Bashar studied in a school in Damascus and completed his medical degree specialising in ophthalmology from the University of Damascus in 1988. He worked as an army doctor and later shifted to London in 1992 for further studies. Bashar's older brother Basil, who was expected to succeed their father, lost his life in a car accident in 1994. Bashar al-Assad comes to power The then 29-year-old Bashar came back to Syria to take the place of his brother. After his father's death on June 10, 2000, the Syrian parliament amended the constitution swiftly and decreased the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 34 to bring Bashar al-Assad to the helm. On July 11, 2000, Bashar officially took office and became commander-in-chief of the military and the leader of the Ba'ath Party. As soon as he came to power, Bashar refused to adopt democracy as a model for Syria. He followed the hardline stance of his father on the conflict between Syria and Israel, and also opposed the US invasion of Iraq. Also Read: Damascus falls: Syrian rebels announce capital city 'free', PM says ready for handover Assad's regime also saw strained relations between Syria and Lebanon after the involvement of Damascus was suspected in the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri as Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon. Civil war in Syria Mass protests started in Syria in March 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring. Initially, Assad promised to bring reforms like releasing political prisoners and abolishing emergency laws, however, violence escalated against the protesters. Troops and tanks were deployed by the government as Assad played the role of a victim of what he called an international conspiracy. The armed opposition groups picked up the momentum by September 2011 and it soon turned into a full-blown civil war by mid-2012. Hundreds were killed near Damascus in August 2019 in attacks which involved chemical weapons, which led to calls for international military action. The United States, Russia and Syria signed an agreement as per which the country's chemical weapons were placed under international control. Watch: Syrian Army Command Tells Officers That Assad's Rule Has Ended, Officer Says Even after this, indiscriminate use of weapons was seen in the war, including barrel bombs dropped by Assad's forces in rebel-controlled areas. A controversial measure, Law 10, was also implemented in which the government was free to seize property from the displaced Syrians which were then redistributed to loyalists. Elections were held by Assad in June 2014 which kept him in power, but the polls were widely believed to be a sham. After 13 long years, the Syrian rebel forces finally stormed into Damascus and toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime which marked the historic end of the Assad family's 50-year rule of Syria. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Bashar Al-Assad: Syria's 'tyrant' who pushed the country into a decade-long civil war

United States President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the "extraordinary events" unfolding in Syria, the White House said late Saturday (Dec 7).

"President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement on social media.

This came after Syrian rebel forces announced that Damascus was “free" and claimed that President Bashar al-Assad had left the capital, marking the historic end of the Assad family's 50-year rule, hours after the fall of Homs.

“We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” wrote the Military Operations Command in a post on Telegram.

With the announcement, celebrations broke out in Aleppo and Damascus.&nbsp;

“To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you,” said the message.

<h2>Trump says Assad 'fled' Syria after losing 'protector' Russia's backing</h2>

US President-elect Donald Trump meanwhile said Assad "fled" Syria after losing Russia's support.

"Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer," he wrote in a post on his Truth Social handle.

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&nbsp;

<h2>Syrian PM says willing 'to cooperate'</h2>

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said he was willing to "cooperate" with any leadership which people choose and is ready for any handover process.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebels-on-syrian-state-tv-say-toppled-tyrant-bashar-al-assad-782400">Rebels on Syrian state TV say toppled 'tyrant' Bashar al-Assad</a>

"This country can be a normal country that builds good relations with its neighbours and the world... but this issue is up to any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. We are ready to cooperate with it (that leadership) and offer all possible facilities," said Jalali, in a speech shared on his Facebook account.

“I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country,” Jalili said in the video statement after rebels announced that President Assad had fled from Syria to an unknown destination.

Earlier, the rebels stormed into the capital and took control of the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison, located in the north of Damascus.

“We broke the news to the Syrian people of liberating our prisoners and unchaining them, and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Saydnaya Prison,” said the rebels in the statement.

The rebels then captured state media offices in Damascus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the "extraordinary events" unfolding in Syria, the White House said late Saturday (Dec 7). "President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement on social media.

United States President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the "extraordinary events" unfolding in Syria, the White House said late Saturday (Dec 7). "President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement on social media. This came after Syrian rebel forces announced that Damascus was “free" and claimed that President Bashar al-Assad had left the capital, marking the historic end of the Assad family's 50-year rule, hours after the fall of Homs. “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” wrote the Military Operations Command in a post on Telegram. With the announcement, celebrations broke out in Aleppo and Damascus. “To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you,” said the message. Trump says Assad 'fled' Syria after losing 'protector' Russia's backing US President-elect Donald Trump meanwhile said Assad "fled" Syria after losing Russia's support. "Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer," he wrote in a post on his Truth Social handle. × Syrian PM says willing 'to cooperate' Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said he was willing to "cooperate" with any leadership which people choose and is ready for any handover process. Also read: Rebels on Syrian state TV say toppled 'tyrant' Bashar al-Assad "This country can be a normal country that builds good relations with its neighbours and the world... but this issue is up to any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. We are ready to cooperate with it (that leadership) and offer all possible facilities," said Jalali, in a speech shared on his Facebook account. “I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country,” Jalili said in the video statement after rebels announced that President Assad had fled from Syria to an unknown destination. Earlier, the rebels stormed into the capital and took control of the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison, located in the north of Damascus. “We broke the news to the Syrian people of liberating our prisoners and unchaining them, and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Saydnaya Prison,” said the rebels in the statement. The rebels then captured state media offices in Damascus. (With inputs from agencies)

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