President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus on a plane bound for an unknown destination, according to two senior Syrian army officers and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
Syria’s army command has since informed officers that Assad’s 24-year rule has come to an end, as confirmed by an officer who spoke with Reuters.
Earlier in the day, rebels claimed full control of the strategic city of Homs after just one day of fighting. The opposition groups stated they were working to complete the transfer of power in Syria to a transitional governing body.
“The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people,” the coalition said in a statement, calling it a new beginning for “great Syria.”
Syria’s prime minister, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, expressed his readiness to hand over the government peacefully to the opposition. “I am here in my home,” he said, emphasizing that he had not left and would not do so unless in a peaceful manner that ensured the continued operation of public institutions and security for citizens.
He added that he would be going to his office the next morning to continue his work, urging citizens to respect public property. He did not comment on the reports of Assad fleeing Damascus.
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