Travis Timmerman, an American who had been detained in Syria’s prison system for seven months, described his release as a “blessing.” He was freed by rebels after they captured Damascus and overthrew the Assad regime, ending its 54-year rule.

BulletsIn

• American Travis Timmerman was released after seven months in a Syrian prison.
• He called his release a “blessing” when speaking to The Associated Press.
• Timmerman was freed by rebels after they captured Damascus and overthrew Bashar Assad’s regime.
• Rebels entered Damascus the day after Assad fled the capital.
• Thousands of prisoners, including Timmerman, were released from Syria’s military prisons this week.
• The overthrow of Assad’s regime marked the end of the family’s 54-year rule.
• Timmerman arrived in Damascus late Thursday after his release.
• He expressed gratitude for his freedom and described the situation as life-changing.