President Joe Biden addressed the nation after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, calling it a “historic opportunity” for Syria’s people.

While acknowledging the uncertainty ahead, Biden emphasized U.S. support for Syria’s neighbors and the safety of Americans in Syria, including journalist Austin Tice.

The U.S. is working with allies to urge de-escalation and protect personnel. The regime’s collapse ends a 24-year rule by the Assad family, which began in 1971, ABC News has reported.

The Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, has caused immense suffering, with over 300,000 civilian deaths and millions displaced.

Written by B.C. Begley