The streets of Syria’s Damascus echoed with celebrations after allied rebel forces took the capital, ending the al-Assad family’s 50 years of iron fist rule. The surprise offensive marked a drastic turn in the Syrian Civil War which started in 2011.

President Bashar al-Assad's 14-year-regime fell and he was forced to to flee and seek asylum in Russia. The former ophthalmologist, whose Western-styled education made him a symbol of progress for the younger generation was ousted by the rebel forces that reached the capital in only 12 days. The Syrian military collapsed, freed jail inmates wept in joy and purportedly seen reuniting with families.

Bashar’s rule was dotted with violence and a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests sparked by the Arab Spring. With Bashar’s allies, Russia distracted with the war in Ukraine and Iran engaged in a conflict with Israel, the President was left exposed. But Bashar’s fall did not happen overnight. It was years in the making…

Video Producer: Mayank Chawla
Video Editor: Rajbir Singh
Camera: Aparna Singh