Syrian rebels take control of Damascus, say capital ‘now free of Assad’

The head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian said on Sunday that Damascus is now “without Bashar al-Assad”.

Assad flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.

Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting “Freedom”, witnesses said.

Just hours earlier, rebels announced they had gained full control of the key city of Homs after only a day of fighting, leaving Assad’s 24-year rule dangling by a thread.

This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.