A Syrian rebel fighter who returned to the central city of Homs on December 8, 2024, after being in exile for 12 years celebrates after rebel forces entered Syria's third city overnight. Islamist-led rebels declared that they have taken Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Aref TAMMAWI / AFP)