Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Sunday that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left Syria and relinquished power, marking a dramatic end to his family’s decades-long rule over the country.
Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
“As a result of negotiations between Bashar Assad and a number of participants in the armed conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully,” the ministry stated, without revealing Assad’s destination.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jalali told Al-Arabi TV he was prepared to resign and had been contacted by rebel leader Ahmad Al-Shara regarding the transfer of power. Al-Jalali confirmed he had requested Al-Shara’s help in redeploying police forces in Damascus, though he admitted being unable to reach Assad.
Image of Assad toppled by his former subjects
Russia expressed “extreme concern” over the developments and said it maintains contact with all Syrian opposition groups. Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Shapiro announced at Bahrain’s Manama Dialogue that American forces would continue operations in eastern Syria to prevent any ISIS resurgence during the transition.
“We are aware that the chaotic and dynamic circumstances on the ground in Syria could give ISIS space to find the ability to become active,” Shapiro said, emphasizing continued U.S. commitment to regional stability.
Crowds filled Damascus streets Sunday with chants, prayers and sporadic celebratory gunfire as opposition forces consolidated control of the capital, marking the apparent end of Bashar Assad’s rule while mystery surrounds the president’s whereabouts.
Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group, reported Assad departed Damascus by air early Sunday, though no official government statement has confirmed his location. The developments come just hours after opposition forces seized control of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, which government forces abandoned without resistance.
The stunning collapse of Assad’s government prompted immediate response from neighboring states. Lebanon announced closure of all land border crossings with Syria except the Beirut-Damascus route, while Jordan completely sealed its frontier with the country.
The opposition’s entry into Damascus represents their first presence in the capital since 2018, when government forces had pushed them from the city’s outskirts after a prolonged siege. Their lightning advance has dramatically altered the region’s political landscape within days.
The celebration in Damascus marks a stark reversal for a city that has remained under tight government control throughout most of Syria’s civil conflict, as residents openly display support for the opposition that has now gained control of the capital.
Syrian state television broadcast a statement from the “Operations Room to Conquer Damascus” announcing President Bashar Assad’s overthrow and the liberation of all prisoners. The declaration came as reports emerged that Assad had fled the country, with Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali confirming he had lost contact with the president late Saturday.
“I did not sleep last night, and I refused to sleep until I heard the news of his fall,” said Mohammed Amer Al-Oulabi, 44, an electricity sector worker, as Damascus residents gathered in mosques and squares, chanting “God is great” and anti-Assad slogans. Teenagers wielded weapons apparently abandoned by security forces.
The historically pro-government al-Watan newspaper acknowledged the revolution’s success, writing: “We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” A statement from Assad’s Alawite sect urged youth to remain “calm, rational and prudent.”
The rebels’ advance since November 27 saw major cities fall in quick succession as Assad’s traditional allies – Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah – withdrew support while facing other conflicts. The opposition is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has attempted to remake its image by breaking ties with al-Qaida and promising religious tolerance.
UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen called for urgent Geneva talks to ensure an “orderly political transition,” while Qatar hosted emergency meetings with regional powers including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Turkey to discuss stability and “safe transition.”
President-elect Donald Trump declared Sunday that Russia’s abandonment of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad led to his regime’s collapse, while arguing Moscow should never have intervened in Syria’s civil war.
“Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by (President) Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer,” Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform. He emphasized that Russia’s involvement in Syria was unnecessary from the start.
Trump, who takes office January 20, linked Assad’s fall to broader regional dynamics, noting both Russia and Iran are currently “in a weakened state” – Russia due to “Ukraine and a bad economy,” and Iran because of “Israel and its fighting success.”
The comments followed Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris, where both attended Notre-Dame Cathedral’s reopening ceremony. Trump advocated for immediate ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, citing heavy casualties on both sides.
“I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!” Trump wrote, suggesting Putin should pursue peace talks. He added that Zelenskiy “would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” calling for “an immediate ceasefire and negotiations.”
Syria’s army command notified officers Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad’s rule has ended, as rebels entered Damascus and thousands celebrated in the streets, marking a stunning conclusion to the Assad family’s half-century control of the country.
Assad reportedly fled the capital by plane, according to two senior army officers who spoke to Reuters. Flight tracking data showed a Syrian Air aircraft departing Damascus airport toward the coastal region, a traditional stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect, before making an abrupt turn and disappearing from radar.
“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,” rebel forces declared, referring to the notorious military detention facility outside Damascus.
Thousands gathered at Damascus’s Umayyad Square, home to the Ministry of Defense and Syrian Armed Forces headquarters, with witnesses reporting crowds chanting “Freedom” as music played and people danced around an abandoned military tank. Defense ministry officials had withdrawn from their headquarters, according to local reports.
“It’s really looking like we’re in the final hours, if not minutes, of 54 years of tyranny in Syria,” said Natasha Hall, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Middle East Program, noting that Assad’s traditional allies Iran and Russia had been “weakened and distracted” by other global events.
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group promised a “new Syria” where “everyone lives in peace and justice prevails,” inviting displaced people and former prisoners to return home.
South Korean prosecutors arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun early Sunday for his alleged role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration, Yonhap News Agency reported, as fallout from the political crisis continues to spread.
Kim, who resigned Wednesday, was questioned after voluntarily appearing at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office around 1:30 a.m. Military officials and opposition filings identified him as the key figure who proposed the martial law declaration to Yoon. National police later raided Kim’s office as part of an expanding investigation into treason allegations against top officials.
The arrest comes despite Yoon surviving an impeachment vote Saturday, though ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon announced the president would be “effectively excluded from his duties” before an eventual departure from office. Han planned to meet with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Sunday to discuss managing state affairs.
Three opposition parties filed criminal complaints against Yoon, Kim, and martial law commander Park An-su, accusing them of insurrection – a charge punishable by death or life imprisonment. Opposition lawmakers alleged Yoon deployed military forces to block parliament from voting against his decree.
The crisis began Tuesday when Yoon declared martial law to combat alleged “anti-state forces,” giving the military sweeping powers. He rescinded the order six hours later after parliament unanimously rejected it despite military and police cordons. In a Saturday television address, Yoon apologized but stopped short of resigning, saying he would accept legal and political responsibility.
Steve Mensch, president and general manager of Tyler Perry Studios, died Friday night when the small plane he was piloting crashed near Tampa, marking the loss of a key figure in Georgia’s entertainment industry.
The 62-year-old executive was flying a single-engine Vans RV-12IS, registered to his Fayetteville, Georgia address, when it crashed about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the aircraft overturned on a road in Homosassa. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations.
“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Steve Mensch,” Tyler Perry Studios said in a statement. “Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than eight years and well-beloved in the community of Atlanta. It’s hard to imagine not seeing him smiling throughout the halls.”
Mensch played a crucial role in developing Georgia’s billion-dollar film tax credit program, helping establish the state as a major production hub. His career included positions at Feature Systems and Turner Broadcasting, where he began advocating for increased state support of film and television production.
The accident occurred the same day Perry released “The Six Triple Eight,” a war drama filmed at the Atlanta studio Mensch helped create. He joined Perry in 2016 to develop and manage the 330-acre facility, built on a former Army base.
Mensch is survived by his wife, Danila, and three children.
Syrian insurgents announced early Sunday they had entered Damascus, as residents reported sounds of gunfire and explosions in the capital, marking the opposition’s first penetration of the city since 2018 and capping a stunning nationwide advance.
Opposition media broadcast footage showing a tank in a central Damascus square while celebratory crowds gathered and calls of “God is great” echoed from mosque loudspeakers. The pro-government Sham FM radio reported the evacuation of Damascus airport and suspension of all flights.
The push into Damascus follows the rebels’ capture of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, the night before. Homs’ strategic location connects Damascus to the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, President Bashar Assad’s support base and home to a Russian naval facility.
Insurgents also claimed to have entered the Saydnaya military prison north of Damascus, announcing they had “liberated” prisoners. The advances come amid the rebels’ lightning offensive that began November 27, already securing Aleppo, Hama, and large portions of southern Syria.
While Syrian state media denied rumors of Assad fleeing the country, his traditional allies appear unable to offer substantial support. Russia remains focused on Ukraine, while Lebanon’s Hezbollah has been weakened by its conflict with Israel. The United Nations’ special envoy Geir Pedersen called for urgent Geneva talks to ensure an “orderly political transition.”
Damascus residents rushed to stockpile supplies as thousands attempted to flee to Lebanon, though officials closed the main Masnaa border crossing. The UN announced the withdrawal of non-critical staff as a precautionary measure.
Real Betis struck deep in stoppage time to hold Barcelona to a 2-2 draw Saturday, with Assane Diao’s 94th-minute equalizer denying the league leaders a chance to extend their advantage over Real Madrid.
Barcelona, who could have moved seven points clear at the top, instead saw their lead limited to five points, with defending champions Real Madrid holding two games in hand. Robert Lewandowski had given Barcelona the lead in the 39th minute, converting Jules Kounde’s low cross for his 23rd goal of the season.
Giovani Lo Celso leveled from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after VAR confirmed Frenkie de Jong’s foul on Vitor Roque. Barcelona appeared to have secured victory through Ferran Torres’s 82nd-minute strike, set up by standout performer Lamine Yamal, but Diao’s late intervention turned Aitor Ruibal’s cross into the bottom corner.
The 17-year-old Yamal dominated proceedings with five successful dribbles and created what seemed to be the winning goal, continuing his breakthrough season. Despite Barcelona controlling 62% of possession, Betis recorded more shots on target (6-3) and eventually found their reward.
“Barcelona simply cannot believe it,” said the match announcer as Diao’s equalizer rippled the net, capturing the visitors’ dismay at dropping crucial points in the title race.
The result adds pressure to Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League visit to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, while Betis prepare for Thursday’s Conference League match at Petrocub.
Real Madrid dispelled recent doubts with a commanding 3-0 victory at Girona Saturday night, though the triumph was tempered by fresh injury concerns to key players as their challenging season continues.
Jude Bellingham showcased his return to form with both a goal and an assist before departing with injury. The 21-year-old England midfielder broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, converting after Luka Modric won possession and Brahim Diaz provided the cross. Bellingham then turned provider ten minutes after halftime, controlling Modric’s pass before setting up Arda Guler’s composed finish.
Kylian Mbappe, who had earlier squandered several opportunities including a one-on-one chance, finally found his scoring touch after the hour mark. The French striker latched onto another Modric pass to blast past Paulo Gazzaniga, offering a glimpse of the form that made him Ligue 1’s top scorer for six consecutive seasons.
The victory, which leaves Madrid just two points behind Barcelona, came at a potential cost. Both Bellingham and left-back Ferland Mendy left the match with injuries, adding to manager Carlo Ancelotti’s concerns ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Atalanta. The team is already without Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Rodrygo.
“We’re still in the fight in every competition,” Ancelotti had insisted before the match, having earlier admitted to being “mildly concerned” about a run of four losses in seven games. While Saturday’s performance answered some questions, the mounting injury list poses new challenges for the Spanish giants.
Arsenal travels to Craven Cottage Sunday to face Fulham in a crucial London derby, with the Gunners looking to maintain their title challenge and avenge last season’s defeat at the same venue.
Mikel Arteta’s side enters the match following four consecutive victories, including Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United, as they attempt to close a seven-point gap with league leaders Liverpool. However, they face a Fulham side that took five points from them last season, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent meeting.
Fulham, surging to sixth place after Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Brighton, have shown resilience despite losing key midfielder Joao Palhinha. Former Arsenal players, particularly Alex Iwobi, have contributed to their strong campaign.
Arsenal may continue to miss defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori, who didn’t participate in Friday’s team training. Fulham will be without suspended Tom Cairney, while Joachim Andersen remains doubtful with a calf injury.
The match marks another chapter in the rivalry, with recent history favoring neither side – in their last five meetings, Arsenal holds two victories to Fulham’s one, with two draws. The fixture kicks off at 14:00 GMT at Craven Cottage, with Chris Kavanagh officiating.
