Syrian Government Overthrown as President Bashar ‘run away’

Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime has been overthrown, with the President fleeing the country.

The Syrian government appears to have fallen after a lightning offensive by rebels.

President Bashar al Assad fled Damascus on a plane for an unknown destination, according to two senior Syrian army officers speaking to the Reuters news agency, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Syria’s army command has now notified officers that his 24-year rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters.

Hours earlier, the rebels said they had gained complete control of the key city of Homs as they eye Damascus after only a day of fighting.

Syria’s prime minister said he is ready to hand over the government to the opposition in a peaceful transition.

“I am here in my home,” said Ghazi al-Jalali.

“I have not left it and do not intend to leave, except in a peaceful manner that ensures the continued functioning of public institutions and state facilities, promoting security and reassurance for our fellow citizens.”

He said he would go to his office to continue work in the morning and called on Syrian citizens not to deface public property.

He did not comment on reports Bashar al Assad has fled Damascus.

Protesters on Saturday brought down a statue of the president’s late father in a main square in a suburb a few miles from the centre of the capital.

The country’s international airport in Damascus has been abandoned and rebels say they have entered the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital and freed inmates there.

“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison,” said the rebels.

Gunfire has been reported in the centre of Damascus, two residents told Reuters on Sunday, although it was not immediately clear what the source of the shooting was.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the main rebel leader, called the capture of Homs a historic moment and urged fighters not to harm “those who drop their arms”.

They have also claimed Deir el Zor in the east, Suweida, Quneitra and Deraa in the south