Assad Flees To Russia: Rebels Take Damascus, US Targets ISIS In Syria

In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels captured the capital city of Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia. The fall of Damascus marks a historic end to Assad's 13-year rule amidst a brutal civil war and six decades of autocratic governance by his family.

US Launches Airstrikes on ISIS Targets

Hours after the rebel victory, the United States launched a series of airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) camps in Syria. The US military confirmed strikes on over 75 targets, employing multiple Air Force assets, including B-52 bombers, F-15 jets, and A-10 aircraft.

President Joe Biden, addressing the nation, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to preventing ISIS from exploiting the power vacuum in Syria. “The Islamic State will not be allowed to re-establish itself,” Biden said, calling Assad's ouster a "fundamental act of justice" and a "historic opportunity for the Syrian people."

Assad Granted Asylum in Russia

Bashar al-Assad and his family reportedly fled to Moscow, where they have been granted asylum. The collapse of his regime came just 11 days after a swift offensive led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged his decades-long grip on power.

Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani addressed a large crowd in Damascus, declaring, “A new history is being written for the region after this great victory.”

Timeline of Events

• November 27: Rebels launched their offensive, coinciding with a ceasefire in neighbouring Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

• December 8: Damascus fell to the rebels, marking the end of Assad's regime.

• December 9: US airstrikes targeted ISIS camps, signalling a renewed focus on eliminating the extremist group.

Syria’s Ongoing Crisis

Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011, has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced half of the population. The fall of Assad's government has raised hopes for a political reset but also heightened concerns over the resurgence of ISIS and regional instability.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation as Syria enters a pivotal phase in its history.