Syrian rebel forces entered Damascus in the early morning, with government forces abandoning key positions. By mid-morning, Assad's whereabouts became unclear as reports emerged of his flight from the capital. His plane vanished from radar, triggering speculation.
In parallel, farmers attempted to breach the Shambhu border, met with tear gas before police switched tactics to flower petals. The 101-member march was eventually suspended pending further discussions.
By afternoon, Russian media confirmed Assad and family had received asylum in Moscow, while Israel announced seizing a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. HTS leader al-Jolani emerged as the face of the takeover, with Biden calling it a "moment of historic opportunity."
India's government assured that its embassy in Damascus remained operational and Indian citizens were safe, while maintaining diplomatic distance from the rapidly evolving situation.