Over 50 years of the Assads rule in Syria has ended, as the Syrian government fell after a lightning offensive by anti-regime forces across the country – ending President Bashar al Assad‘s 24-year rule.

Mr Assad has left office and the country after giving orders for there to be a peaceful transfer of power, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Russia was not involved in the talks surrounding his departure, the ministry said, but has been in touch with opposition groups – and urged all sides to refrain from violence.

The leader’s whereabouts now, as well as those of his wife Asma and their two children, remain unknown, however it is suspected that He’s seeking refuge in the Soviet nation.

Footages and photos circulating on social media as the news emerged showed families ransacking presidential palaces in Damascus, looting government agencies with some taking selfies in the grand settings, as thousands celebrated in the streets.