Rebels declare end of Assad rule in Syria

DAMASCUS, Dec 8, 2024: Rebels declared that they had taken Damascus in a lightning offensive on Sunday, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria.

Residents in the Syrian capital were seen cheering in the streets, as the rebel factions heralded the departure of Assad, saying: “We declare the city of Damascus free”.

AFPTV images from Damascus showed rebels firing into the air at sunrise, with some flashing the victory sign.

Agence France Press