Assad, the independence-era flag adopted by activists and rebels during the 2011 revolt has replaced the official flag on streets, institutions and homes in Syria and beyond. In their eyes, the revolt was not just against Bashar al-Assad but more broadly against dictatorship.

As Syria awakens to a transformed political landscape following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, one powerful symbol has emerged at the forefront of change: the Syrian opposition flag, also known as the “Independence Flag.

Supporters of the rebels who ousted president Bashar al-Assad have entered Syrian embassies around the world to tear down the old order’s two-starred Syrian flags, which had been the country’s official banner since 1980.

Syrian jihadist rebels declared victory on Sunday, announcing the capture of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al-Assad's 13-year rule. Assad's

As Syrians woke up to a changed nation following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and the end of the family’s 50-year reign, rebel flags replaced the posters of the dictator that once lined nearly every corner.

Assad fled to Moscow as opposition forces advance towards Damascus. Sources say Russian intelligence agents organized the escape, flying Assad out of a base in Syria before the aircraft's transponder was turned off to avoid being tracked.