== RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HO / SANA" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ==
(FILES) A file handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (R) visiting the historic Ummayad Mosque with Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) in Old Damascus on January 7, 2020. Islamist-led rebels declared that they have taken Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, 2024 sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by SANA / AFP) / == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HO / SANA" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ==