Syrians Rejoice As Assad Flees, Ending Brutal Reign

Residents cheered in the streets as the rebel factions heralded the departure of "tyrant" Assad, saying: "We declare the city of Damascus free." (Credit: AFP)

President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus Sunday, triggering celebrations across the country and beyond at the end of his oppressive rule.

Russian news agencies said late Sunday that Assad and his family were in Moscow.