Assad Ousted by Rebel Offensive in Syria, Flees to Russia as Refugees Await Return

Dec 9, 2024, 02:17 PM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power on Sunday following a rebel offensive that captured Damascus, ending his family's 50-year rule over the country. Assad and his family have fled to Russia, where he has been granted political asylum. The fall of Assad's regime has been described as a 'historic opportunity for the people of Syria' by US President Joe Biden, who also noted it as a 'fundamental act of justice' but also 'a moment of risk.' Hundreds of Syrian refugees are gathering at border crossings in southern Turkey in anticipation of returning to their homeland. Hezbollah MP Fadlallah from Lebanon has called the situation in Syria a 'major, dangerous and new transformation,' indicating a need for evaluation.