Syria's Assad is now in Moscow, Russian state media says

The Syrian government collapsed after a surprise rebel offensive.

ByDavid Brennan, Julia Reinstein, Ivan Pereira, and Jack Moore
Last Updated: December 9, 2024, 4:23 AM EST

Rebel forces in Syria captured the capital Damascus and toppled the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning-quick advance across the country.

As Assad resigned and fled Syria, rebel forces moved into Damascus as citizens celebrated there and in the streets of Aleppo, where the rebel offensive began 11 days ago.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group.

The Israel Defense Forces continued its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza, particularly in the north of the devastated Palestinian territory.

Tensions also remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Dec 03, 2024, 2:47 AM EST

9 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, health ministry says

Lebanon's Health Ministry said that Israeli airstrikes in the south of the country killed nine people on Monday, as last week's fragile ceasefire continues despite renewed cross-border fire.

This picture taken from northern Israel along the border with southern Lebanon shows smoke billowing above the Lebanese village of Khiam during an Israeli bombardment, on Dec. 2, 2024.
Jalaa Marey/AFP via Getty Images

The ministry said in posts to X that an Israeli attack on the town of Haris killed five people and injured two. A strike on the town of Talousa killed four and injured one, the ministry said.

The Israel Defense Forces said Monday it was striking targets in southern Lebanon and accused Hezbollah of "severe violation of the ceasefire."

Dec 02, 2024, 2:21 PM EST

IDF says it's hitting targets in Lebanon

The IDF said it is striking targets in southern Lebanon on Monday after Hezbollah officials said earlier they fired on an Israeli target.

“We will respond decisively to Hezbollah’s severe violation of the ceasefire —and will continue to do so. We have plans and targets ready to be carried out and at any given moment," the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, said Monday.

In this picture taken from Marjayoun, thick smoke rises from explosions as Israeli forces reportedly demolish dwellings in the border town of Khiam in southern Lebanon, Dec. 1, 2024.
-/AFP via Getty Images
Dec 02, 2024, 12:35 PM EST

Hezbollah says it fired on Israeli target in southern Lebanon

PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a memorial ceremony for Israelis killed on the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7 last year, at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Oct. 27, 2024.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a memorial ceremony for Israelis killed on the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7 last year that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Oct. 27, 2024.
Gil Cohen-Magen/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Hezbollah officials said Monday they fired on an Israeli target in southern Lebanon, accusing Israel of “repeated violations” of the ceasefire agreement.

The Israel Defense Forces said Hezbollah launched two projectiles toward the area of Har Dov. There were no injuries, with the projectiles falling in open space, the IDF said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened a forceful response, calling it a "serious violation of the ceasefire."

"We are determined to continue enforcing the ceasefire, and to respond to any violation by Hezbollah -- minor or serious," Netanyahu said.

Dec 02, 2024, 12:27 PM EST

Family of dead Israeli-American soldier release statement

The family of Omer Maxim Neutra, the Israeli-American soldier who had been believed to be in Hamas captivity, released a statement Monday after it was confirmed he was killed Oct. 7.

"Our hearts are shattered with this devastating news," the family said. "The Neutra family is deeply grieving and are requesting the public, who has shown great support throughout this journey, to please respect their privacy until they are formally ready to announce the next steps."

"May Omer’s memory be a blessing," they added.

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