Syrian rebels topple government, end decades of Assad rule

Men hold flags as people celebrate, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted President Bashar al-Assad, in Qamishli, Syria December 8, 2024. REUTERS/Orhan Qereman

DAMASCUS, Syria (AFP): Islamist-led rebels declare that they had taken Damascus in a lightning offensive on Sunday (Dec 8), 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 "tyrant" Assad, saying: "We declare the city of Damascus free."