Egypt’s embattled President Hosni Mubarak today abruptly stepped down as president, ending his 30-year-reign, and Egyptian armed forces took control of the country’s leadership.

Egypt exploded with joy, tears, and relief after pro-democracy protesters brought down President Hosni Mubarak with a momentous march on his palaces and state TV. Mubarak, who until the end seemed unable to grasp the depth of resentment over his three decades of authoritarian rule, finally resigned Friday and handed power to the military.

The crowds in Cairo, the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and other cities around the country burst into pandemonium. They danced, chanted “goodbye, goodbye,” and raised their hands in prayer as fireworks and car horns sounded after Vice President Omar Suleiman made the announcement on national TV just after nightfall.

Vice President Suleiman, who appears to have lost his post as well in the military takeover, appeared grim as he delivered the short announcement.

“In these grave circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave his position as president of the republic,” he said. “He has mandated the Armed Forces Supreme Council to run the state. God is our protector and succor.”

The surprise statement ended Mubarak’s 30-year rule, making him the second Arab leader forced to quit by a remarkable populist and largely peaceful uprising. Last month, Tunisia’s president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali resigned and left the country in the face of massive street protests against his regime.

Mubarak’s resignation comes 18 days since the beginning of protests that have left 300 dead, according to the United Nations, and rocked the region.

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