Bashar-Al Assad might have been killed in a plane crash - Here's what to know

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's location is currently unknown after conflicting reports emerged about his departure from Damascus on Sunday. The situation has sparked intense speculation about the Syrian leader's fate.

According to two senior army officers who spoke to Reuters, Assad departed Damascus for an unspecified destination. Flight tracking data from Flightradar showed a Syrian Air plane taking off from Damascus airport coinciding with reports of rebel forces taking control of the capital.

The aircraft's unusual flight pattern has raised questions. After initially heading toward Syria's coastal region - traditionally an Alawite stronghold and Assad's power base - the plane made an unexpected U-turn and flew in the opposite direction before vanishing from radar tracking systems.

Two Syrian sources suggested there was "a very high probability" that Assad may have been involved in a plane crash, citing the aircraft's mysterious trajectory and disappearance. However, these claims remain unverified, and Reuters was unable to confirm whether Assad was aboard the flight.

The timing of the flight is particularly significant as it coincides with reported rebel advances in Damascus, though the current military situation in the Syrian capital remains unclear.

Reuters contributed to this article.