Assad and his family are in Moscow, Russian state media report

Syrian opposition forces have seized control of Damascus, leading to the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. The opposition, backed by Turkey, has made significant gains in recent days, capturing major cities and large territories. Analysts have criticized the US administration's years-long lack of focus on Syria, which has allowed the conflict to persist. The fall of Assad's government has removed a key power center for Iran and Russia in the Middle East, and has been welcomed by US President Joe Biden as a significant shift in the regional balance of power. Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Russia, reportedly due to "humanitarian grounds", and have arrived in Moscow.