Rebel forces in Damascus say they’ve ended Bashar al-Assad’s rule as government troops withdraw
“The future is ours,” says rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani
The BBC is the only western news organisation reporting from inside the capital Damascus
Our correspondents have witnessed crowds celebrating in the Syrian capital, while some people have been seen looting the presidential residence
President Assad has left Damascus after talks with “other participants in the armed conflict”, Russia says
UK, France and Germany welcome Assad’s fall
published at 13:54
13:54
Western leaders are welcoming the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.
French President Emmanuel Macron posted on social media: “The barbaric state has fallen. At last.
“I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity. France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Assad’s fall “good news” and urged a political solution to stabilise Syria, according to AFP.
“Bashar al-Assad oppressed his people brutally. He has countless lives on his conscience and has driven numerous people to flee, many of whom have arrived in Germany,” Scholz said, according to the news agency.
UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said if the Assad regime has fallen then the government “welcome that news”.
