Unidentified armed individuals entered the Iranian embassy in Damascus on Sunday following the takeover of the city by Islamist rebels. This comes amid reports that President Bashar al-Assad's regime has been overthrown and that he has left the country, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, leaving behind directives for a transition of power.

Iranian state television covered the embassy incident, stating their belief that the gunmen weren't connected to the larger rebel faction responsible for capturing Damascus. Iran had already evacuated most of its diplomatic staff and their families on Saturday, leaving a minimal presence.

According to Iranian state TV, the Iranian embassy and neighboring businesses were targeted by a separate armed group, distinct from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group primarily responsible for the recent rebel advancements.

Videos circulating in Arab and Iranian media depict scenes from within the embassy, showing individuals searching through furniture and documents, with some damage to windows.

Syrian television reports suggest that Assad, along with his wife Asma al-Assad and their three children, left Damascus over the weekend. Their destination remains unknown.

A video statement broadcast on Syrian state television by a group of men proclaimed Assad's removal from power and the release of all prisoners.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali admitted to losing contact with Assad on Saturday night and being unaware of his current location in an interview with Al-Arabiyya.

Russia's Foreign Ministry announced via Telegram that Assad departed Syria after discussions with rebel factions, leaving behind instructions for a peaceful power transfer. The Kremlin stated it was not directly involved in these negotiations.

Large gatherings of Syrians celebrated Assad's reported departure in Damascus's central squares, with some chanting anti-Assad slogans, honking car horns, and celebratory gunfire reported in certain areas.

This marks a significant turning point in Middle Eastern politics, as the nearly 14-year civil war, fueled by Islamist rebels aiming to overthrow the Assad dynasty, appears to have brought an end to over five decades of Assad family rule in Syria.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of HTS, is attempting to present a moderated image of the radical Islamism that has characterized his years of conflict in Syria and Iraq. Al-Golani, who has a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head and was previously detained by the U.S. military, has reportedly prohibited his fighters from celebratory gunfire in Damascus.

Experts on Syria have indicated to Fox News Digital that HTS intends to establish a totalitarian Islamist regime. Phillip Smyth of the Atlantic Council described HTS as an offshoot of Al-Qaeda with ties to Turkey, aiming to create a society resembling the Taliban with some modifications.

Al-Golani stated that public institutions will remain under the prime minister's oversight until officially transferred.