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Damascus falls to Syrian rebels

Hours after the fall of Assad, thousands of Syrians who had fled the country have been returning from neighbouring Lebanon and Jordan.

There have been celebrations in Syria after long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebels took the capital Damascus. This is a moment of huge change for a country where many have lived in fear of the brutal Assad dynasty for more than fifty years.

We will hear what is happening there today, amid reports of looting for government buildings, despite calls by the rebels for people to respect state property.

President Biden said the sudden collapse of Assad's government was a 'fundamental act of justice' after decades of repression but cautioned that the takeover by Islamist rebels created a moment of risk and uncertainty.

(Pic: A torn banner depicting the picture of Bashar al-Assad, Damascus, Syria, 08 December 2024; Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

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Mon 9 Dec 2024 05:06GMT

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  • Mon 9 Dec 2024 05:06GMT