Syrian civil war | Syrian opposition claims rebel fighters entered Damascus

Opposition activists said the rebel fighters entered the Syrian capital of Damascus at dawn Sunday, according to the Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The monitor said hundreds of government soldiers were ordered to withdraw from Damascus International Airport, and were seen removing their military uniforms and donning civilian clothing.

Multiple media outlets have reported that Syrian President Bashar Assad has left the country, citing rebel forces. The Syrian presidency said Saturday Assad was still performing his constitutional duties in the capital.

Intense gunshots were heard overnight in Damascus, Syria. Heavy traffic was seen on the streets, caused by cars departing from the capital.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali said in a speech published on Facebook shortly after the rebels' claim of entering Damascus that he was ready to "cooperate" with any leadership chosen by the people and urged citizens against vandalizing public facilities.

The opposition forces in Syria took over state television channels to announce what they described as the fall of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al-Assad's government.

A man in military fatigues, flanked by armed fighters, read the statement on air, calling it "Statement No. 1." He claimed that rebel units captured Damascus.

(Source: Xinhua)

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