Xinhua Headlines: Syrian gov't collapses in sudden upheaval with far-reaching repercussions

DAMASCUS/CAIRO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly resigned and arrived in Russia for asylum as his government collapsed on Sunday following a sweeping offensive by militant groups.

The groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), waged a major offensive from northern Syria since Nov. 27, and have since swept southwards through government-held areas, capturing the capital Damascus w