The Syrian regime’s collapse came more quickly than the rebels had dreamed — the circumstances were both serendipitous and part of a larger global realignment.

Syrian rebel fighters have destroyed the tomb of late president Hafez al-Assad, father of ousted president Bashar, in the family's hometown. Videos verified by the BBC showed armed men chanting as they walked around the burning mausoleum in Qardaha,

The tomb of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's father Hafez was torched in his hometown of Qardaha, footage taken Wednesday, December 11, showed, with rebel fighters in fatigues and young men watching it burn.

Syria has had a week like no other, rebels toppling President Bashar al-Assad and opening Saydnaya prison, while the hunt for American Austin Tice continues.

Jamil Hassan, referred to as "the butcher" by people who lived on his street, is among the senior regime figures who have fled with their families.