AMN / WEB DESK
Syrian rebel forces have claimed control of the capital Damascus today after a week-long lightning offensive, encountering no resistance from government troops. It comes amid media reports that President Bashar al-Assad, has fled the country after ruling Syria for 24 years. President Assad boarded a plane to an undisclosed location.
As per media reports, the Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has said that he is ready to hand over the government to the opposition forces in a peaceful transition. Syrian rebels have announced the fall of Assad’s regime and declared the start of a new era for Syria after claiming control over Damascus.
The head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, Hadi al-Bahra, told private media, that they would meet with Arab, European countries and the United Nations to agree on next stage for the country.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, Syrian military and security forces have withdrawn from Damascus International Airport. As per media reports, the rebels also announced they freed prisoners from Saydnaya military prison in the north of Damascus. The rebels have also announced that they have gained full control over the key city of Homs. In Syria, clashes between rebel forces and regime troops have intensified since 27th of last month.
The rebels, in their first announcement on state television following a lightning offensive, said they have ended Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year “authoritarian rule”. Syria’s army command told officers that Assad’s regime had ended, Reuters reported quoting a Syrian officer.