European leaders have hailed the end of Bashar al-Assad's brutal rule in Syria as a moment of hope -– but they also view his sudden toppling as fraught with dangers.

As the war-torn country charts a new course, Europe is anxious to avoid fresh turmoil that could send migrants and jihadists once again heading to the continent.

"This historic change in the region offers opportunities but is not without risks," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. "Europe is ready to support safeguarding national unity and rebuilding a Syrian state that protects all minorities."

For now, still just hours after the end of more than five decades of domination by the Assad family, some initial signs appear promising.

As jubilant Syrians celebrated what they prayed would be the end of over 13 years of civil war, streams of refugees headed back home across the border from neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, the Islamist-led rebels who swept into Damascus after a lightning advance have vowed to maintain state institutions, restore order and protect all citizens.

But it is still very early days for those yearning to heal the festering wound in the heart of the Middle East.

There are profound suspicions about Syria's........

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