Gunfire has been reported in the centre of the Syrian capital Damascus as rebels opposed to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad continue their lightning offensive across the country.
Reports say that Assad has left Damascus by plane for an unknown destination
Unverified footage shared on social media shows thousands of inmates have been freed from the notorious Saydnaya prison - where Assad's opponents were tortured and executed
The rebels advance on Damascus comes after they said they had "fully liberated" the city of Homs
There are reports of celebrations starting in Umayyad Square, a landmark in the heart of Damascus home to important government agencies, including the Ministry of Defence and the Syrian Armed Forces. BBC reported.
A video circulating on social media shows music being blasted and about a dozen people dancing around a tank reportedly abandoned by the military.
Syrian defence ministry officials have reportedly withdrawn from their headquarters in Damascus.
