Syrian rebels take Damascus, Assad flees

In a stunning turn of events, opposition forces in Syria seized control of the capital, Damascus, as President Bashar al-Assad and his top aides fled for parts unknown, following a rapid offensive that saw major Syrian cities falling like dominos within days.

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Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire as the al-Assad family's 50 years of iron rule came to an end.

Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war.

Others ransacked the presidential palace and the al-Assad family residence after Bashar al-Assad and other top officials vanished, their whereabouts unknown.

Russia, a close ally, said Mr. Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and had given instructions to transfer power peacefully.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, a former al-Qaeda commander who cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance, leads the biggest rebel faction and is poised to chart the country's future direction.