Syrians celebrate as rebels topple Assad

Syrian opposition fighters celebrate after the Syrian government collapsed in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 8, 2024. Syria Syrians rebel fighters celebrate near the Clock Tower in the central city of Homs on Dec. 8, 2024, after rebel forces entered Syria's third city overnight. Syrians shoot in the air in celebration of the arrival of opposition fighters in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 8, 2024.

The Syrian government collapsed early Sunday, falling to a lightning rebel offensive that seized control of the capital of Damascus and sent crowds into the streets to celebrate the end of the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule.