Assad regime toppled in Syria

SYRIANS poured into city streets echoing with celebratory gunfire yesterday, after a stunning rebel advance reached the country's capital, putting an end to the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule but raising questions about the future of the country.

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 gleefully ransacked the presidential palace and the Assad family residence, after Syria's President Bashar Assad and other top officials vanished, their whereabouts unknown. Russia, a close ally, said Mr Assad had 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 terrorist group years ago and now says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance, leads Syria's biggest rebel faction and is poised to chart the country's future direction.

The end of Mr Assad's rule deals a major blow to Iran and its allies, already weakened by over a year of conflict with Israel.