According to two top Syrian army commanders and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, President Bashar al-Assad flew out of Damascus to an undisclosed destination.
Syria’s army command has subsequently notified officers that Assad’s 24-year rule is over, according to an officer who spoke with Reuters.
Earlier in the day, rebels claimed complete control of the important city of Homs following only one day of combat. The opposition organizations declared that they were striving to finalize the power transfer in Syria to a transitional government.
“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.