Syrian rebels oust Assad, seize control of Damascus on Sunday

Middle East geopolitical tensions mount as the 15-year-long civil war in Syria took a new turn over the weekend after Syrian rebels seized control and ousted the old autocratic leader, President Bashar al-Assad, after seizing control of Damascus on Sunday.

Reuters reported that Russia has given asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family after the toppling of his government by opposition forces in a lightning offensive.

The United Nations (UN) is set to convene for an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday regarding the situation in Syria.

Top rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani said a "new history was being written" after a "great victory".

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US has taken note of the statements made by the rebel leaders of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) group, and Washington has called on all actors involved to respect human rights.