Israeli leaders are broadcasting optimism about the fall of Assad, a brutal dictator and key Iranian ally, while girding themselves for the ascension of the jihadist-linked group that toppled him.

Syria's brutal civil war rekindled suddenly after 13 years, with rebels staging a shock offensive that forced long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia.

Russia has established direct contact with the political committee of Syria's Islamist rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov as saying on Thursday.

Travis Timmerman, a Missouri native, was imprisoned in Syria after he crossed into the country months ago. He was flown out of Syria and taken by helicopter to Jordan on Friday, a U.S. official said.

Russia has likely begun withdrawing some of its troops from Syria. This is indicated by the analysis of satellite images, reports Financial Times. According to the FT, satellite images taken by Maxar and Planet Labs show an increase in the number of ground vehicles at the Khmeimim airbase.