Several Syrian Americans gathered in Dearborn on Sunday to celebrate the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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Syria has been in a civil war for over 13 years, with over half a million people killed and thousands displaced. The Associated Press reports that the fall came after a 10-day offensive by rebel groups who took over cities like Damascus.

Many of the more than 1,000 Syrian Americans who gathered in Dearborn on Sunday said they have been afraid to travel back to Syria for years, CBS News reports.

President Joe Biden called Assad’s fall a “fundamental act of justice,” but also a “moment of risk and uncertainty,” adding that rebel groups are “saying the right things now” but the U.S. would assess their actions.

Russia media say Assad has fled to Moscow with his family and received asylum from his longtime ally.

The leader of Syria’s biggest rebel faction, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is now poised to chart the country’s future. The former al-Qaida commander cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance. His Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the U.N.

In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the Umayyad Mosque and described Assad’s fall as “a victory to the Islamic nation.”

Associated Press writers AbdulRahman Shaheen, Sarah El Deeb and Abby Sewell contributed to this report.

Other headlines for Monday, Dec. 9, 2024:

• State Sen. Stephanie Chang is hosting a workshop from 12:30-3 p.m. this Saturday offering free legal assistance for people applying for U.S. citizenship.
• Detroit residents are invited to learn about the development progress of the 22-acre Rogell Park site at a community meeting set for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Detroit Service Learning Academy. Reserve your spot at bit.ly/rogell.
• D’Artillery in Hamtramck is hosting its annual Global Holiday Market from 2-6 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 15, featuring handmade gifts from local women artisans.

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