Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and left the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. The announcement was made on Sunday (Dec 8) after the capital Damascus fell under rebel control. However, Russia has not released any information about Assad’s exact location. American media New York Times reported this news.

The resignation of Bashar al-Assad is a turning point in the history of Syria. The Assad family’s iron rule over the country for nearly five decades has come to an end. The success of the rebels signaled a new turning point in the civil war that had been raging for more than a century.
Wala Salameh, a resident of Damascus, said, “Our hearts are dancing with joy.” Although the future is uncertain, the most important thing is that we are free from this repressive regime.

According to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Assad has participated in discussions with various parties. However, there is no information about his whereabouts or future plans.

Earlier, the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced on its Telegram channel that it had captured Damascus and ended Assad’s rule.

The rebel group said government institutions in Damascus would remain under the supervision of Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali for the time being. They urged the government forces to stay away from these institutions.

Rebels have made rapid advances in Syria’s major cities over the past two weeks. They broke the decades of stagnation and cornered the ruling group. Gunfire was heard in Damascus early Sunday morning. At the beginning of the day, the streets of the city are empty.

US Department of Defense Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East Affairs Daniel B. Shapiro said there is nothing to mourn the fall of Assad.

Assad’s absence has raised questions around the world. Prime Minister Jalali told Al-Arabiya that he had not been able to contact Assad after Saturday.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Assad is probably out of Syria. But he is not sure about his exact location.

Iran, a longtime ally of Assad, had no comment.