#middle-east
Rebel forces in Damascus have announced the capital city’s liberation from long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad after government forces withdrew. This development follows the rebels’ earlier success in capturing the city of Homs, signaling a significant shift in the 13-year Syrian conflict. Reports suggest that Bashar al-Assad, 59, has left Damascus by plane to an unknown destination, according to Reuters. The Syrian military has not yet issued an official statement regarding the rebel takeover or al-Assad’s apparent removal from power. Rebel…