Iranian media stated that an armed group, reportedly distinct from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels who led the offensive across Syria, breached the embassy and nearby stores.
The future of a country devastated by 14 years of civil war and 54 years of dictatorship now remains to be seen.
Jerusalem Post reporter Seth J. Frantzman reports from the Golan Heights, near the abandoned Syrian town of Quneitra, where a lone regime flag still stood.
An internal memo viewed by the "NYT" reports the situation as if “Iran accepted the fall of Assad and has lost the will to resist."
"To the displaced all over the world, free Syria awaits you," Syrian rebels announced on Telegram.
Minutes before Russia announced Assad's alleged departure, reports surfaced of a plane taking off from a Russian airfield in Latakia, Syria.
Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom," witnesses said.
There is little evidence that Syria's allies will step in to help Assad, CNN reported.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also traveled to the Syrian capital this week to meet with Assad to pledge the Islamic Republic's full support.
Rebels and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said insurgents had captured villages, including Maar Shahur, a few miles north of the city.
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