Syrian Islamist rebels have captured the capital city of Damascus, and deposed President Assad's whereabouts are currently unknown.
Rebel forces, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, have advanced into Damascus, capturing key areas and institutions.
The Syrian army has abandoned its positions on the outskirts of Damascus, with many soldiers reportedly dropping their weapons and fleeing. The regime’s notorious Sednaya prison has been liberated, with prisoners being freed.
The Syrian prime minister has released a video statement saying the government is ready to “extend a hand” to the rebels and hand over its functions.
Celebrations have erupted in Damascus, with some Syrians chanting “Freedom! Freedom!” and welcoming the end of over 50 years of rule by the Assad family.
United States President-elect Donald Trump has stated that the US should avoid engaging militarily in Syria, saying “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.”
Israel Defense Forces reportedly conducted military strikes inside Syria targeting fleeing Hezbollah and Syrian army convoys.
The future of Syria remains uncertain, as many national security observers raise concerns over the safety of Christians in the Sunni Muslim majority Arab state. Some in the rebel coalition, are Islamic terrorist groups who have been accuse of slaughtering Christians in the region.
The Assad family has ruled Syria since 1971, with Bashar al-Assad inheriting the presidency in 2000. The regime has been accused of brutal suppression of dissent.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has resulted in an estimated 300,000 deaths and widespread displacement.
