Beginning of a new era: Syrians worldwide rejoice over the fall of Assad

Syrians around the world are celebrating in the streets after hearing the news that President Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria. Syrian opposition forces have now taken control of the capital of Damascus and declared an end to 13 years of civil war and five decades of Assad family rule. It took less than two weeks for rebel groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham to bring an end to the regime.

People celebrate in the street after Syrian rebels captured the city of Damascus, Syria, on 8 December 2024. Source: EPA / HASAN BELAL/EPA