Mass rallies in Syria mark 'Victory Friday'

Hello. Our correspondents are following mass rallies in Syria celebrating 'Victory Friday' and the end of the Assad regime. In the UK, an alleged Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew has been banned from the country. From South Korea, Jean Mackenzie reports on dwindling support for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing a second impeachment vote following his short-lived martial law declaration. And finally, we get to know the youngest-ever world chess champion.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Celebrations mark end of Assad regime

Large crowds have gathered for today's rallies across Syria. Credit: BBC

The first Friday prayers since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria have been followed by widespread celebrations. In Umayyad Square in the capital Damascus, Lina Sinjab reports on a joyous atmosphere. The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist rebel group that led the offensive against the regime, has called on Syrians to take to the streets to celebrate the "victory of the revolution" and the end of five decades of authoritarian rule. It remains unclear what shape a future Syrian government will take, and which of the country's many ethnic minorities will be represented. Members of the G7 nations, who will meet virtually today, say they're ready to support an inclusive and non-sectarian government.

Prince Andrew's links to alleged spy

A Chinese businessman described as a "close confidant" of Prince Andrew has lost an appeal against a decision to bar him from the UK on national security grounds. The judges noted the man, only described as H6, had managed to win an "unusual degree of trust from a senior member of the Royal Family". Judges heard the businessman had formed a close working relationship with Prince Andrew, receiving an invite to his birthday party in 2020 and being told he could act on his behalf when dealing with potential investors in China.

WORLD HEADLINES

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Net closing in on South Korea's president

Yoon Suk Yeol is being investigated for treason, a crime punishable by death. Credit: Reuters

Within a week of his short-lived attempt to declare martial law, President Yoon Suk Yeol has morphed from being contrite and apologetic to brazenly defiant. Jean Mackenzie looks at Yoon's dwindling support ahead of a second impeachment vote this weekend.

And finally...

An Indian teenager has become the youngest-ever chess world champion, clinching the title at 18. Gukesh Dommaraju beat defending champion Ding Liren of China in the last of a 14-game series, after exploiting his opponent's blunder to his advantage.