Live Updates: Syria's Assad granted asylum in Moscow as rebels claim Damascus: Russian media

A high-level delegation of US diplomats has arrived in Syria to engage directly with the new Islamist-led government, marking the first formal diplomatic mission to Damascus since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

The visit follows the recent fall of President Bashar al-Assad after a swift offensive by opposition forces earlier this month.

The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top US State Department official for the Middle East, Daniel Rubinstein, an experienced diplomat specializing in Arab affairs, and Roger Carstens, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Their primary goals are to discuss the future direction of Syria under its new leadership and to seek information on missing Americans, including journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in 2012.

Engagement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

The diplomats are scheduled to meet with leaders of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group now in power, despite its designation as a terrorist organization by the US. The delegation will also engage with civil society groups, activists, and representatives from minority communities to assess their perspectives on rebuilding Syria.

A State Department spokesperson emphasized that the US aims to support Syrians in creating a non-sectarian, inclusive government that respects the rights of all communities.

HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has called for unity, protection of minorities, and disbanding of rebel factions since Assad's ousting. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed caution, stating that Jolani's sincerity remains unproven.

“There are no guarantees,” Blinken noted in a recent interview. “Absent our engagement and leadership, history suggests the cycle of authoritarianism could repeat.”

International reactions

The visit follows a joint statement by Western and Arab nations, along with Turkey, calling for a representative and inclusive Syrian government. Meanwhile, other global powers, including France and Germany, have resumed diplomatic relations with Damascus. The French embassy in Damascus reopened for the first time since 2012, while the US continues to operate through the Czech Republic in Syria.

President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office soon, has signaled a reluctance for deeper US involvement in Syria. He has described Assad's downfall as an “unfriendly takeover” by Turkey, which has supported HTS but opposes US alliances with Syrian Kurdish groups.

Syria grappled with the aftermath of its decade-long conflict, displacement crises, and the challenges of nation-building under new leadership.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated Wednesday that the Syrian crisis was orchestrated by the U.S. and Israel, with evidence confirming their involvement.

Addressing a gathering in Tehran, he mentioned a neighboring country, likely Turkey, also played a role.

Khamenei rejected claims of a weakening resistance front, asserting that pressure only strengthens it.

He condemned militants’ divisions and predicted Syria's liberation by its youth, adding that U.S. influence in the region will eventually diminish through resistance efforts.

"There should be no doubt that what happened in Syria was plotted in the command rooms of the United States and Israel. We have evidence for this," Ayatollah Khamenei told a group of people in Tehran Wednesday.

"One of the neighboring countries of Syria also played a role, but the primary planners are the US and the Zionist regime," the Leader added, apparently referring to Turkey. Ayatollah Khamenei quashed speculations about the weakening of the resistance front after militants and Takfiri terrorists overran the Syrian capital, assuring that it will become stronger.

“This is what the resistance is, this is what the resistance front is. The more you push, the stronger it becomes; the more you commit crimes, the more motivated it becomes. The more you fight with them, the more widespread it will be, and I tell you, by the Divine Power, the domain of resistance will cover the entire region more than before."

The Leader also dismissed some analysis that a weakened resistance front would amount to Iran’s weakening. “That ignorant analyst, unaware of the meaning of resistance, imagines that when the resistance becomes weak, Islamic Iran will also become weak, and I say that by God's will and power and with the permission of God Almighty, Iran is strong and powerful and will only grow more powerful."

Ayatollah Khamenei said the agents of the world arrogance are happy about the events in Syria, thinking that with the fall of the Syrian government, which supported the resistance, the resistance front has become incapacitated. “The resistance front is not a piece of hardware that breaks or collapses or is destroyed. Resistance is a faith; it is a thought; it is a heartfelt and definite decision. Resistance is a school; it is a school of belief. What is the faith of a group of people does not become weak but becomes stronger with pressure."

The Leader explained how the spread of evil motivates resistance fighters, leading to the expansion of the resistance front. “When they see the heinous crimes of the enemy, those who doubted whether to resist or not, will get out of doubt; they will realize that they have to stand, resist and put their lives on the line against the oppressor.

This is what resistance is.” Ayatollah Khamenei touched on divisions among the militant groups in Syria, saying each group has its own agenda and all seek to stake out their own turf. Ultimately, the Leader said, they will be evicted from Syria by the “zealous Syrian youth, so will the Americans who seek to strengthen their foothold in the country. “Each of these attackers has their own agenda and their goals are different. Some of them are seeking to seize land in the north of Syria or in the south. The US is looking to strengthen its foothold in the region.

“These are their goals, but time will show that, God willing, none of them will achieve these goals. The occupied areas of Syria will be liberated by the zealous Syrian youth. Do not doubt that this will happen,” he said.

“America’s foothold will not be strong either. By God's grace and power, the US will also be expelled from the region by the resistance front,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally approved Bashar Assad’s asylum in Moscow, the Kremlin confirmed on Monday. The revelation follows reports that the former Syrian president and his family had arrived in Russia after the fall of Damascus to armed opposition forces.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a press briefing that there was no meeting scheduled to take place between Putin and Assad. “There is nothing to say regarding Assad’s whereabouts,” he added. When asked how Assad had been granted political asylum, Peskov said: “Such decisions cannot be made without the head of state; it is his decision.”

Mikhail Ulyanov, a senior Russian diplomat, confirmed earlier Monday that Assad and his family were in Moscow, saying this reflected Russia’s commitment to its allies in challenging times. “Russia does not betray its friends in difficult situations… unlike the US,” Ulyanov stated.

On Sunday, Russian media reported that Assad and his family had been granted asylum in Russia “on humanitarian grounds.” According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Assad agreed to step down following negotiations with armed opposition groups and instructed officials to ensure a “peaceful transfer of power.”

Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) fighters, along with other anti-government factions, seized control of Damascus on Saturday following a swift advance in several regions of Syria.

Syrians awakened on Monday to a hopeful if uncertain future, after rebels seized the capital Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, following 13 years of civil war and more than 50 years of his family's brutal rule.

The lightning advance of a militia alliance spearheaded by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, marked one of the biggest turning points for the Middle East in generations. Assad's fall wiped out a bastion from which Iran and Russia exercised influence across the Arab world.

Moscow gave asylum to Assad and his family, Russian media reported and Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador to international organisations in Vienna, said on his Telegram channel on Sunday.

International governments welcomed the end of the Assads' autocratic government, as they sought to take stock of a new-look Middle East.

U.S. President Joe Biden said Syria is in a period of risk and uncertainty, and it is the first time in years that neither Russia, Iran nor the Hezbollah militant organisation held an influential role there.

HTS is still designated as a terrorist group by the U.S., Turkey and the United Nations, although it has spent years trying to soften its image to reassure international governments and minority groups within Syria.

Assad's overthrow limits Iran's ability to spread weapons to its allies and could cost Russia its Mediterranean naval base. It could also allow millions of refugees scattered for more than a decade in camps across Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to finally return home.

NOW TO REBUILD

The rebels face a monumental task of rebuilding and running a country after a war that left hundreds of thousands dead, cities pounded to dust and an economy hollowed by global sanctions. Syria will need billions of dollars in aid.

"A new history, my brothers, is being written in the entire region after this great victory," said Ahmed al-Sharaa, better known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the head of HTS.

Speaking to a huge crowd on Sunday at Damascus' Umayyad Mosque, a place of enormous religious significance, Golani said with hard work Syria would be "a beacon for the Islamic nation."

Assad's prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, told Sky New Arabia he would be willing to meet with Golani and was ready to provide documents and assistance for the transfer of power. He said he had no answer to the fate of the Syrian army.

"It is a question left to the brothers who will take over the management of the country's affairs, what concerns us today is the continuation of services for Syrians," he said.

The Assad police state was known as one of the harshest in the Middle East with hundreds of thousands of political prisoners held in horrifying conditions.

On Sunday, elated but often confused inmates poured out of jails. Reunited families wept in joy. Newly freed prisoners were filmed running through the Damascus streets holding up their hands to show how many years they had been in prison.

The White Helmets rescue organisation said it had dispatched emergency teams to search for hidden underground cells still believed to hold detainees.

With a curfew declared by the rebels, Damascus was calm after dawn on Monday, with shops closed and streets in the city largely empty.

The majority of people seen were rebels, dressed in fatigues and carrying weapons, while many cars had license plates from the northwestern province of Idlib, where the rebel offensive was launched 12 days ago.

Near downtown, a single bookseller could be seen carefully laying novels out on a ledge.

The rebel coalition said it was working to complete the transfer of power to a transitional governing body with executive powers, referring to building "a Syria together."

Golani is a Sunni Muslim, which is the majority in Syria, but the country is home to a wide range of religious sects, including Christians and Assad's fellow Alawites, an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam.

WORLD STUNNED

The pace of events stunned world capitals and prompted an outpouring of celebrations from Syrian diaspora. In Sydney, people paraded in cars while waving Syrian flags, danced in the streets and set off fireworks.

It also raised concerns about more regional instability on top of the Gaza war, Israel's attacks on Lebanon and tensions between Israel and Iran.

The U.S. Central Command said its forces conducted dozens of airstrikes targeting known Islamic State camps and operatives in central Syria on Sunday.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Sunday he spoke with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, emphasising the importance of protecting civilians and that the United States is watching closely.

During Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad, his forces and their Russian allies bombed cities to rubble. The refugee crisis across the Middle East was one of the biggest of modern times and caused a political reckoning in Europe when a million people arrived in 2015.

In recent years, Turkey had backed some rebels in a small redoubt in the northwest and along its border. The United States, which has about 900 troops in Syria, backed a Kurdish-led alliance that fought Islamic State jihadists from 2014-2017.

The Foreign Office spokesperson has confirmed that all Pakistani citizens in Syria are safe and have been advised to exercise caution amid the evolving situation.

According to the spokesperson, Pakistan is closely monitoring the developments in Syria. The country remains steadfast in its support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan’s principled stance on Syria has not changed.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Foreign Office spokesperson, stated that the Pakistani Embassy in Syria is operational and assisting its citizens. Contact has been maintained with Pakistani pilgrims in Syria, and their repatriation will be arranged once Damascus Airport reopens.

Meanwhile, security for the Syrian diplomatic staff in Pakistan has been enhanced. Diplomatic sources confirmed that additional measures have been taken to secure the Syrian embassy, Ambassador Ramez Al-Razi, and other staff members.

It is noteworthy that over 2,000 Pakistanis, including pilgrims, are currently in Syria. More than 700 Pakistanis reside there permanently after marrying and settling with their families. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a travel advisory in light of the situation in Syria.

Rebels toppling the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad prompted the country's soccer federation to change the colour of the national team's kit and logo from red to green.

Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus unopposed on Sunday after a lightning advance that sent Assad fleeing to Russia after a 13-year civil war and six decades of his family's autocratic rule.

As the events unfolded, the Syrian soccer federation announced it was changing the colour of its logo and the kit of the men’s first team.

“Our new national team uniform,” the Syrian football federation posted on Facebook alongside a photo of several players clad in green.

“The first historic change to happen in the history of Syrian sports, far from nepotism, favouritism and corruption,” it added.

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received asylum in Russia and arrived in Moscow with his family, Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS reported on Sunday, citing Kremlin sources.

This development followed the capture of Damascus by Syrian rebel forces and marked the end of Assad's 24-year rule. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group led by a former Al-Qaeda commander, launched a surprise offensive from the opposition-controlled province of Idlib last week.

The swift campaign culminated in the takeover of Damascus. Before advancing to the capital, jihadists forced the Syrian Army out of Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Al-Qusayr near the Lebanese border.  

“Assad, along with members of his family, has arrived in Moscow. Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds,” a source revealed to TASS.  

Meanwhile, Moscow called for the resumption of UN-led negotiations to address the Syrian crisis, according to TASS. Leaders of the Syrian armed opposition assured the Kremlin of the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria, RIA reported.  

Syrian opposition forces have imposed a curfew in the capital, Damascus, following their successful takeover of the city. According to Reuters, the curfew will be in effect from 4:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily.

The move aims to consolidate control as rebels solidify their position after an 11-day campaign that culminated in the fall of Damascus, marking a dramatic shift in the Syrian conflict.

11-Day Campaign Summary: The Fall of Damascus

The past 11 days have seen a decisive series of victories by opposition forces, including the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as they swept through key Syrian territories:

Aleppo's Capture: Opposition forces launched their offensive in northern Syria, securing Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, within the first few days.

Homs Under Siege: By mid-campaign, the rebels advanced south, quickly overtaking Homs, the third-largest city, in a strategic push toward Damascus.

Deir ez-Zor and Palmyra Seized: The rebels secured the oil-rich region of Deir ez-Zor and captured the historic city of Palmyra, cutting off key government supply lines.

Daraa and Southern Push: Forces gained control of Daraa, the cradle of the Syrian uprising, tightening their grip on the south.

Damascus Falls: The final push into Damascus began late last week, with reports confirming President Bashar al-Assad fled the capital on December 7.

Rebel groups now claim full control of Damascus and have declared the Syrian government effectively dissolved. HTS commander Ahmed Al-Sharaa issued directives prohibiting militant activities in public institutions and called for continuity of governance through former Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali.

The curfew is seen as an effort to maintain order in the capital as opposition factions consolidate power. Meanwhile, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, with fears of further instability and humanitarian challenges looming large.

Iranian diplomats stationed in Damascus evacuated the Syrian embassy earlier today before it was stormed by members of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), according to a report by Iran’s Tehran Times.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the evacuation, stating that all Iranian officials are safe. "The safety of our personnel is our utmost priority," Baghaei told the Tehran Times.

The attack on the embassy follows a series of rapid advances by HTS and allied rebel factions across Syria. The group, designated a terrorist organization by multiple countries, has capitalized on the diminished presence of Hezbollah forces, which have been diverted due to ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon.

The situation underscores the escalating instability in the region and raises questions about the security of diplomatic missions amid the conflict. Iran has vowed continued support for the Syrian government, but the evacuation highlights the growing risks posed by the rebel offensive.

Iranian Embassy ‘looted’ amid takeover

A video has surfaced showing widespread destruction at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus following the city’s capture by forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The footage, shared on a Telegram channel linked to Iraqi militias, reveals shattered windows, ransacked offices, and gunshot damage on bulletproof glass at the embassy entrance.

Civilians are seen removing furniture, office equipment, and other valuables from the premises.

Iranian state TV confirmed the attack, attributing it to “unknown individuals.”

Iraqi media reported that Baghdad has evacuated its diplomatic staff to Lebanon, while the Russian Embassy remains operational. A Russian mission spokesperson assured that “everything is fine” with their facilities in Damascus.

The takeover of Damascus marks a seismic shift in the Syrian conflict, with fighting groups declaring control over the capital and claiming governance of the country.

Military sources informed Reuters that President Bashar al-Assad fled the city on Saturday night to an undisclosed location.

HTS commander Ahmed Al-Sharaa has reportedly ordered militants to avoid public institutions and refrain from celebratory gunfire, stating that government operations will temporarily remain under the oversight of former Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali. Al-Jalali announced his willingness to collaborate with new leadership while emphasizing the importance of governmental continuity.

The developments leave Syria on uncertain ground as power dynamics rapidly shift, raising questions about the stability of the new regime and its international ramifications.

Speculation is mounting over the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after the fall of his government.

While senior Syrian military officers claim Assad fled the country via plane, conflicting reports from Israeli sources suggest there is no confirmation of his departure from Syria.

According to sources, Assad's aircraft Ilyushin Il-76 reportedly disappeared from radar shortly after rebels took control of the capital. Some Syrian officials have alleged that the plane crashed, though no official confirmation has been made.

The uncertainty has been compounded by reports from the British Telegraph indicating that Egyptian and Jordanian officials previously advised Assad to leave Syria and establish a government-in-exile.

Meanwhile, Assad’s family is believed to have left Syria for Russia last week, and reports suggest his brother-in-law has sought refuge in the UAE.

Rebels claim to have penetrated key areas in Damascus, freeing prisoners from Sednayah military prison and encountering little to no resistance from the Syrian army. Al Jazeera reported that government officials and regime elements had vacated the defense ministry headquarters in the city.

The international community awaits clarity on Assad’s fate as the new power dynamics in Syria continue to unfold.

Ilyushin Il-76

The Ilyushin Il-76, known by its NATO reporting name "Candid," is a four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter designed by the Soviet Union's Ilyushin bureau in 1967. Initially developed as a commercial freighter to replace the Antonov An-12, it is capable of delivering heavy machinery to remote areas and operating from unpaved runways.

Read more: 

Syrian rebels say they have toppled Assad in state television announcement

Syria’s civil war: Key reasons and what future holds

Who is Bashar al-Assad?

Damascus falls as Syrian army command tells officers that Bashar al-Assad's rule has ended

US President-Elect Donald Trump reacted on Sunday to the toppling of the suppressive regime of Bashar al-Assad by Turkey-backed Syrian rebel groups overnight — who swooped the Syria in just the matter of 11 days as the operation fall Damascus started on November 28.

"Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever," he added.

Trump said: "Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success. Likewise, Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians."

Addressing the war between Russia and Ukraine, Trump stated, "There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.

“Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!"

As the Syrian opposition gradually takes control of Damascus, signaling the potential end of the 54-year Assad regime, Ankara is cautiously recalibrating its policies.

While Turkiye strongly supports the removal of Bashar al-Assad and a transition to opposition rule, concerns over the expanding influence of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), predominantly Kurdish fighters, are rising.

Ankara is also focused on the future of Syrian refugees, with around 3.5 million currently residing in Turkiye.

The Turkish government hopes that a stable, opposition-controlled Syria will facilitate the return of these refugees, providing economic relief.

These new calculations signal a shift in Turkiye’s approach to Syria, aiming for a radically different future than the one seen just days ago.

Syrian Opp leader vows no retaliatory actions will be taken against anyone

Head of the Syrian National Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces Hadi al-Bahra has proclaimed the end of Syria's "dark period" with the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, he expressed optimism for a new chapter in Syria's history.

Assuring citizens of their safety, al-Bahra stated that Damascus is secure and emphasized that no retaliatory actions will be taken against anyone.

In a post on social media platform X, he reassured residents, saying, "All individuals who refrain from taking up arms against others and remain in their homes are safe, regardless of sectarian or religious differences."

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Syria as the nation transitions towards a future beyond decades of authoritarian rule.

Turkish Foreign Minister Calls for Political Process in Syria Amid Emerging Hope

Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of initiating a political process in Syria during a press conference held in Doha. He stated, "The Syrian people must now decide the future of their country."

Highlighting the significance of the current developments, Fidan remarked, "Today, a ray of hope has emerged in Syria." He urged all parties to exercise restraint and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting the situation.

The minister reiterated Turkiye's commitment to ensuring stability and security in Syria. He also praised the constructive roles played by Iran and Russia in addressing the ongoing crisis.

Fidan called for coordinated international efforts to support peace and stability in the region, urging all stakeholders to contribute positively to Syria's path forward.

Syrian rebels said on Sunday that they have ended Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule, in their first announcement on state television following a lightning offensive that took the world by surprise.

Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that Assad's regime had ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters.

But the Syrian army later said it was continuing operations against "terrorist groups" in the key cities of Hama and Homs and in Deraa countryside.

Assad, who had crushed all forms of dissent, flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.

"We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," the rebels said, referring to a large military prison on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.

Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom" from a half century of Assad family rule, witnesses said.

The dramatic collapse marks a seismic moment for the Middle East, ending the family's iron-fisted rule over Syria and dealing a massive blow to Russia and Iran, which have lost a key ally at the heart of the region.

The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability.

It marks a turning point for Syria, shattered by more than 13 years of war which has turned cities to rubble, killed hundreds of thousands of people, and forced millions abroad as refugees.

Stabilising western areas of Syria captured in the rebels' advance will be key. Western governments, which have shunned the Assad-led state for years, must decide how to deal with a new administration in which a globally designated terrorist group - Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - looks set to have influence.

HTS, which spearheaded the rebel advances across western Syria, was formerly an al Qaeda affiliate known as the Nusra Front until its leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, severed ties with the global jihadist movement in 2016.

"The real question is how orderly will this transition be, and it seems quite clear that Golani is very eager for it to be an orderly one," said Joshua Landis, a Syria expert and Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

Golani will not want a repeat of the chaos that swept Iraq after U.S.-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. "They are going to have to rebuild ... they will need Europe and the U.S. to lift sanctions," Landis said.

HTS is Syria's strongest rebel group and some Syrians remain fearful it will impose draconian Islamist rule or instigate reprisals.

A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, according to data from the Flightradar website.

Item 1 of 10 Rebel fighters gather in Homs after Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following a rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise, in Homs, Syria December 8, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hasano

The aircraft initially flew towards Syria's coastal region, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect, but then made an abrupt U-turn and flew in the opposite direction for a few minutes before disappearing off the map.

Reuters could not immediately ascertain who was on board.

Two Syrian sources said there was a very high probability that Assad may have been killed in a plane crash as it was a mystery why the plane took a surprise U turn and disappeared off the map according to data from the Flightradar website.

"It disappeared off the radar, possibly the transponder was switched off, but I believe the bigger probability is that the aircraft was taken down...," said one Syrian source without elaborating.

As Syrians expressed joy, Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said he was ready to support the continuity of governance and prepared to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his team were monitoring the "extraordinary events in Syria" and were in touch with regional partners, the White House said.

Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad's rule, dragged in big outside powers, created space for jihadist militants to plot attacks around the world and sent millions of refugees into neighbouring states.

The frontlines of Syria's complex civil war were dormant for years. Then Islamists once affiliated with Al Qaeda suddenly burst into action, posing the biggest challenge to Assad, who had survived years of gruelling war and international isolation with the help of Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

But Assad's allies were focussed on and weakened by other crises, leaving Assad at the mercy of his opponents with an army that was not prepared to defend him.

Israel, which has severely weakened the Iran-backed groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, will likely celebrate the fall of Assad, another of Iran's key regional allies. But the prospects of an Islamist group ruling Syria will likely raise concerns.

Thousands of Homs residents poured onto the streets after the army withdrew from the central city, dancing and chanting "Assad is gone, Homs is free" and "Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad".

Rebels fired into the air in celebration, and youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, whose territorial control has collapsed in a dizzying week-long retreat by the military.

The fall of Homs gave the insurgents control over Syria's strategic heartland and a key highway crossroads, severing Damascus from the coastal region that is the stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and air base.

Homs' capture is also a powerful symbol of the rebel movement's dramatic comeback. Swathes of Homs were destroyed by gruelling siege warfare between the rebels and the army years ago. The fighting ground down the insurgents, who were forced out.

Rebels freed thousands of detainees from the city prison. Security forces left in haste after burning their documents.

The head of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi said on Sunday on X: “We are witnessing historic moments in Syria as the authoritarian regime in Damascus falls. This change presents an opportunity to build a new Syria founded on democracy and justice, ensuring the rights of all Syrians.”

Bashar al-Assad, 59, rose to power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades. Born in Damascus, Bashar initially pursued a medical career, specializing in ophthalmology, before political events redirected his path.

His rise to the presidency was unplanned; his older brother, Bassel al-Assad, had been groomed to succeed their father but died in a car accident in 1994. Bashar returned from London, where he was studying, to assume his father’s legacy.

Assad's presidency has been marked by significant turmoil, especially the 2011 uprising that evolved into a devastating civil war. Initially sparked by demands for democracy, the conflict has since engulfed Syria in widespread violence and destruction. His government has faced international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons, repression of Kurdish populations, and enforced disappearances.

As of recent reports, Assad's control and presence in Syria are under scrutiny, raising questions about the country's future amidst ongoing unrest and geopolitical tensions.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali announced the government’s willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people in a recorded message released Sunday morning. Al-Jalali emphasized a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power while preserving state facilities.

“We are ready to cooperate with any leadership the people choose, offering all possible support to ensure a smooth and systematic transition of government functions,” he stated, urging citizens to protect public facilities as they are "assets belonging to all Syrians."

The prime minister reaffirmed his decision to remain in Syria and vowed to support the continuation of state operations, adding, “I am here in my home and do not intend to leave except in a peaceful manner.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS)—the dominant armed opposition group—echoed calls for restraint. In a Telegram statement, he instructed rebel forces to avoid damaging public institutions or firing weapons unnecessarily.

“To all military forces in Damascus, it is strictly forbidden to approach public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are officially handed over,” al-Sharaa said.

This comes days after al-Sharaa, using his real name publicly for the first time, shared his vision for Syria’s future in a CNN interview, signaling an apparent effort to rebrand his leadership.

The developments mark a cautious yet significant shift in rhetoric from both sides of Syria’s protracted conflict, hinting at potential pathways for stabilization in the war-torn country.

Syria's army command has notified officers that President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following a rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise.

Syrian rebels said Damascus was "now free of Assad".

Earlier the leader who crushed all forms of dissent flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.

Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom" from the long Assad family rule, witnesses said.

"We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," said the rebels.

Sednaya is a large military prison on the outskirts Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.

A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, according to data from the Flightradar website.

The aircraft initially flew towards Syria's coastal region, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect, but then made an abrupt U-turn and flew in the opposite direction for a few minutes before disappearing off the map.

Reuters could not immediately ascertain who was on board.

The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian on Sunday also declared that Damascus is now "without Bashar al-Assad".

As Syrians expressed joy, Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said he is ready to support the continuity of governance and is prepared to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.

The frontlines of Syria's complex civil war were dormant for years. Then Islamists once affiliated with Al Qaeda suddenly burst into action, posing the biggest challenge to Assad, who had survived years of gruelling war and international isolation with the help of Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

But his allies were focused on and weakened by other crises, suddenly leaving Assad at the mercy of his opponents.

Just hours before reaching Damascus, rebels announced they had gained full control of the key city of Homs after only a day of fighting, leaving Assad's 24-year rule dangling by a thread.

Thousands of Homs residents poured onto the streets after the army withdrew from the central city, dancing and chanting "Assad is gone, Homs is free" and "Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad".

Rebels fired into the air in celebration, and youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, whose territorial control has collapsed in a dizzying week-long retreat by the military.

The fall of Homs gave the insurgents control over Syria's strategic heartland and a key highway crossroads, severing Damascus from the coastal region that is the stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and air base.

Homs' capture is also a powerful symbol of the rebel movement's dramatic comeback in the 13-year-old conflict. Swathes of Homs were destroyed by gruelling siege warfare between the rebels and the army years ago. The fighting ground down the insurgents, who were forced out.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the main rebel leader, called the capture of Homs a historic moment and urged fighters not to harm "those who drop their arms".

Rebels freed thousands of detainees from the city prison. Security forces left in haste after burning their documents.

Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghani said in a statement early Sunday that operations were ongoing to "completely liberate" the countryside around Damascus and rebel forces were looking toward the capital.

In one suburb, a statue of Assad's father, the late President Hafez al-Assad, was toppled and torn apart.

Outside the city, rebels swept across the entire southwest over 24 hours and established control.

EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO ASSAD RULE

The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Russia issued a joint statement saying the crisis was a dangerous development and calling for a political solution.

Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad's rule, dragged in big outside powers, created space for jihadist militants to plot attacks around the world and sent millions of refugees into neighbouring states.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the strongest rebel group, is the former al Qaeda affiliate in Syria regarded by the U.S. and others as a terrorist organisation, and many Syrians remain fearful it will impose draconian Islamist rule.

Golani has tried to reassure minorities that he will not interfere with them and the international community that he opposes Islamist attacks abroad. In Aleppo, which the rebels captured a week ago, there have not been reports of reprisals.

When asked on Saturday whether he believed Golani, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov replied, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating".

ALLIES' ROLE IN SUPPORTING ASSAD

Assad long rule relied on allies to subdue the rebels. Russian warplanes conducted bombing while Iran sent allied forces including Hezbollah and Iraqi militia to reinforce the Syrian military and storm insurgent strongholds.

But Russia has been focused on the war in Ukraine since 2022 and Hezbollah has suffered big losses in its own gruelling war with Israel, significantly limiting its ability or that of Iran to bolster Assad.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has said the U.S. should not be involved in the conflict and should "let it play out".

Rebels launched a lightning advance through Syria on Saturday, with reports suggesting they were closing in on Damascus.

However, the Syrian government rejected claims that its forces had pulled back from the capital's outskirts. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, from the Islamist-led alliance spearheading the offensive, announced that forces had entered the final phase of encircling Damascus.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), encouraged fighters to prepare for an assault on the seat of President Bashar al-Assad's government.  

Despite these claims, Syria's Ministry of Defence issued a statement affirming that government forces remained in all areas surrounding Damascus, rejecting reports of a retreat. The government has not allowed independent verification of these claims.  

In the Damascus suburbs, protesters toppled a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late president, with similar actions observed in Daraa and Hama. In Hama, residents set fire to a large portrait of President Assad, with one local calling the rebel entry "a great joy" after years of waiting since the start of the civil war in 2011.  

Syria’s presidency dismissed reports suggesting that Assad had fled Damascus, stating that he continued to perform his duties from the capital.  

As the rebels advanced, Syrian government forces appeared to retreat from several southern provinces, including Daraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that government forces had ceded significant ground, including Daraa province.

Rebels reportedly advanced within 20 km of Damascus, while government forces repositioned their forces in key areas.  

In Hama and Daraa, local fighters assumed control of civil institutions and vital infrastructure, while in Sweida, fighters worked to secure facilities following the withdrawal of government forces. 

International concerns about the worsening situation grew, with Jordan and both the US and Russia urging their citizens to leave Syria.  

HTS, which has ties to Al-Qaeda, has attempted to present itself as a more moderate force. It reassured minorities in areas under its control, claiming that sectarianism and tyranny had ended.  

Since the start of the offensive, at least 826 people, including 111 civilians, have died, with the UN estimating 370,000 people have been displaced.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a political resolution, while discussions continued in Qatar between Iranian, Russian, and Turkish officials.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging the Pakistani citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Syria due to the prevailing security situation.  

The advisory recommended compliance with the guidelines until the law-and-order situation in Syria improves. Pakistani citizens already in Syria were advised to maintain close contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus.  

The MoFA shared the embassy's contact details for assistance. The contact number is +963 987 127 822, while the WhatsApp number is +963 990 138 972.

Also Read: Rebels near Hama, Syrian forces mount determined defense

Additionally, citizens can reach out through the email address parepdamascus@mofa.gov.ok.

Earlier, according to the foreign media reports, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem had declared unwavering support for the Syrian government as opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), make significant advances in Syria’s long-standing conflict.

Qassem, speaking on Thursday, criticized the role of the United States and Israel in allegedly backing what he described as “terrorist groups” aimed at destabilizing Syria.

"They will not achieve their goals despite recent actions," he said. "Hezbollah stands resolutely with Syria in resisting this aggression."

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Syria’s fourth-largest city, Hama, faces escalating tensions as rebels advance closer, fueled by their rapid capture of territories in the north.

The offensive, which shattered four years of relative calm in the region, has met with stiff resistance from government forces, backed by Syrian and Russian airstrikes.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with roots in Al-Qaeda, and its allies pushed forward Tuesday into northern Hama’s countryside, encountering their toughest battles yet.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported intense clashes, describing it as the heaviest fighting since the offensive began last Wednesday.

“Rebel factions have seized multiple towns in the last few hours, but Syrian and Russian air forces have conducted dozens of airstrikes on their positions,” the Observatory noted.

Int'l appeals for de-escalation

The sudden resurgence of violence comes as Lebanon grapples with a fragile ceasefire, prompting international calls for calm. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm at the renewed conflict and urged an immediate halt to hostilities. Similarly, the European Union and the United States have called for restraint and a return to political dialogue.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stressed the importance of leveraging diplomatic influence to protect civilians and prevent further escalation.

For President Bashar al-Assad’s government, losing Hama could have significant implications. The city has historical ties to opposition movements, notably the scars of the 1982 massacre during a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood. Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman noted that a rebel capture of Hama would “pose a threat to the regime’s popular base,” particularly as the surrounding countryside houses many Alawite communities loyal to Assad.

Abandoned military vehicles and tanks littered roads leading to Hama, as reported by an AFP journalist on the ground. Rebel fighters indicated plans to consolidate their recent gains before advancing further into the city.

Civilians flee amid harsh winter

The fighting has displaced nearly 50,000 people, according to the United Nations. The ongoing exodus, coupled with winter’s onset, has raised international humanitarian concerns. Hundreds have died, most of them combatants, during the week-long offensive.

Residents of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, recounted the chaos as the rebels launched their assault last week. “There were terrible traffic jams — it took people 13 to 15 hours to reach Homs,” said one resident, describing the panic and fear gripping civilians.

Assad’s Regional Standing

Despite the renewed violence, Assad’s diplomatic standing in the Arab world has improved in recent years.

Once isolated, Syria was reinstated into the Arab League in 2023, signaling a slow reintegration. Yet, the government’s losses in Hama have drawn concern from Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states, underlining the stakes of the ongoing conflict.

 Syrian rebels -  led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) -  launched a significant assault on the city of Aleppo on Saturday, capturing large parts of the city and forcing the Syrian army to redeploy its forces.

The attack represents the most substantial challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in years, signaling a potential shift in the long-standing conflict that has ravaged the country since 2011.

The Syrian Army reported that dozens of its soldiers had been killed in the offensive, with HTS fighters reportedly seizing control of several key locations, including Aleppo’s airport. The rebels also claimed control over the city of Maraat al-Numan in Idlib province, further consolidating their foothold in northwest Syria. This bold move has raised alarms across the region, where the frontlines had largely remained stagnant since 2020, following a series of ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and Turkey.

Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that its air force had carried out strikes against rebel positions in Aleppo and the surrounding areas to support Assad’s forces. The Russian strikes targeted rebel concentrations, artillery positions, and command posts, with the state-run Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of the Enemy Parties claiming that around 300 rebel fighters had been killed.

In Aleppo, images emerged of rebel fighters celebrating their victory, with one notable scene showing individuals posing next to a toppled statue of Bassil al-Assad, the late brother of President Bashar al-Assad. The capture of such symbolic sites underscores the gravity of the rebels’ gains, which have sparked widespread reactions across Syria and the international community.

Ali Jumaa, a rebel fighter originally displaced from Aleppo in 2016, described the emotional impact of returning to his home city, calling it an "indescribable feeling." His sentiment is shared by many in the opposition, as the city has been under government control since Russia-backed Syrian forces defeated rebel forces there in 2016.

As rebel forces advanced, the Syrian army announced preparations for a counteroffensive, including airstrikes against rebel convoys. A resident of Aleppo’s Basel Square confirmed that one of these airstrikes caused casualties in the city. The Syrian military command stated that the rebel assault, which involved large numbers of fighters attacking from multiple directions, forced the army to redeploy forces in order to reinforce defense lines and protect both civilians and soldiers.

The U.S. National Security Council (NSC) expressed concern over the latest escalation, attributing the current crisis to Syria’s refusal to engage in a political process. NSC spokesperson Sean Savett emphasized that the U.S. had no involvement in the rebel-led offensive, urging de-escalation and a renewed commitment to the political roadmap laid out in the 2015 U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a ceasefire and political transition.

The ongoing conflict, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, appears far from resolution despite years of ceasefire negotiations. While Assad, with the backing of Russia and Iran, has regained control of most of Syria’s major cities, rebel-held areas in the northwest remain a critical flashpoint. These regions, including Aleppo, are now witnessing renewed fighting as HTS and other rebel groups exploit perceived weaknesses in Assad’s defences.

The geopolitical implications of the rebel assault are far-reaching, particularly in light of the wider Middle East turmoil. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has engaged in cross-border clashes with Israel, have added to the region’s instability. As Russia continues to back Assad and Iran supports pro-government militias, the situation in northwest Syria risks escalating into a broader confrontation involving international powers.

Russia has promised additional military support to the Syrian government, with extra aid expected to arrive in the coming days. Meanwhile, Turkey, which supports certain opposition groups in the northwest, has expressed concern over the growing instability in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held discussions with Russian counterparts to address the crisis, with both sides stressing the need for coordinated efforts to stabilize the situation.

Iran, a key ally of Assad, has accused the rebel attacks of being part of an Israeli-U.S. plan to destabilize the region. Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced strong condemnation of the rebel offensive, blaming external powers for exacerbating the conflict.

In the meantime, Kurdish forces, allied with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have also expanded their presence in Aleppo, taking advantage of the government’s weakened position. The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have long had a foothold in the city, and their influence is likely to grow as Assad’s forces retreat.