Biden praises regime change in Syria after rebels capture Damascus

Coverage on this blog has ended. Follow NBC News’ live updates here.

• A coalition of Syrian rebels has toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s government and captured the capital, Damascus.
• President Joe Biden called it a “moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria” in remarks at the White House today.
• Russian state media reported that Assad landed in Moscow after having fled. A senior Biden administration official confirmed that Russia has given Assad asylum.
• Assad, who was Syria’s president for over two decades and inherited the post from his father, Hafez al-Assad, has given orders for a peaceful transition of power, according to Russia, a close ally of the regime.
• Celebrations broke out in Damascus after rebels claimed victory in the 13-year civil war. In less than two weeks, rebel groups advanced across Syria, taking the cities of Aleppo and Homs before seizing Damascus.
• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the assault along with other groups, has historic ties to Al Qaeda and is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. It has recently appeared to renounce more extremist elements.

Source link