Syrian rebels reportedly enter Damascus as Assad’s regime weakens

DAMASCUS: Syrian rebels claim to have entered the Middle Eastern country’s capital, Damascus, as the defenses of President Bashar al-Assad’s government appear to weaken.

According to the CNN, a resident in the Syrian capital stated that fighting was taking place in the Barzeh neighbourhood, where rebel fighters were reportedly moving through the streets.

Residents report that electricity and internet connectivity in Damascus “is weak”.

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Sources also indicate that specialised rebel units were establishing positions in key areas of the city. Reconnaissance teams were purportedly sent into Damascus overnight in search of the long-reigning president but were unable to find this.

This supports the theory that Bashar al-Assad fled the country hours before, something the government-affiliated new outlet denied.

There are also reports of several high profile officials within the Assad government thinking of defecting.

Previously, the rebel forces announced the complete liberation of Homs, following their recent capture of Aleppo.

A spokesperson for the main rebel coalition stated that they “have liberated four cities within  24 hours: Daraa, Quneitra, Suqayda and Homs”.

As the conflict escalates, the Syrian army reportedly retreated from significant portions of the southern region, allowing the rebels to advance towards Damascus.

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However, the Syrian defense ministry denied the reports. Airstrikes and shelling by the Syrian government forces and their ally, Russia, reportedly resulted in civilian causalities, with reports of at least seven deaths near Homs.

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Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) stated it was closely “monitoring”  the evolving situation.

The UN relief chief, Tom Fletcher, stated “all parties must ensure  the protection of civilians, allow for free movement and facilitate access to humanitarian assistance for those in need”.