DAMASCUS: Rebels assert that they have seized control of Damascus and that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the city.

Rebel groups in the capital have declared it “liberated” from Assad’s regime as government forces pull back.

There are reports suggesting that Assad departed from Damascus by plane, heading to an undisclosed location.

Gunfire has been reported in central Damascus as the rebels continue their rapid offensive against Assad’s regime across Syria.

Unverified videos circulating on social media show thousands of prisoners being released from the notorious Saydnaya prison, where many of Assad’s critics were allegedly tortured and executed.

The rebel advance on Damascus follows their announcement that they had “fully liberated” Homs.

(Inputs from BBC)