Syrian rebels claim they have overthrown the country's president Bashar al-Assad - ending his 24-year rule.
The president has reportedly fled Damascus on a plane for an unknown destination.
Rebel forces have said they have captured the capital after advancing across the country.
There has reportedly been cheering and celebratory gunfire on the streets of Damascus, as statues of the leader were toppled.
Syrians celebrate the arrival of opposition fighters in Damascus, Syria, Sunday Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)Former US ambassador to Syria Robert Ford has said it’s an incredibly significant day.
“After a 13 year incredibly bloody and vicious civil war, right now it’s a day for Syrians to celebrate and to hope for things that will turn out better,” he said.
“There will be plenty of hard work quickly waiting for them.”
Ready to hand over government
Prime Minister Ghazi al-Jalali has said he's ready to hand over government to the opposition in a peaceful transition of power.
"I am here in my home," he said.
"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.
Rebels
The rebels, who said Damascus was "now free of Assad", are expected to broadcast their first statement to the Syrian people on state television.
The initial assault on regime forces, which began in the northern city of Aleppo last week, was carried out by a variety of Mr Assad's opponents.
This included rebels under the banner of the Syrian National Army, backed by Turkey – but the offensive has mostly been led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS).
Syrian opposition fighters take a selfie inside the Presidential Palace after the Syrian government collapsed in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)Once known as the Nusra Front, a former wing of al Qaeda, HTS is said to have around 30,000 troops and has long been designated a terrorist group by the US and Russia.
It was formed to oppose the Syrian government and was founded by Abu Muhammed al Golani, cutting ties with al Qaeda in 2016 and making an effort to appear moderate.
The US's Commission on International Religious Freedom said in 2022 that despite the "rebrand", HTS "restricts religious freedom" and threatens the safety of religious minorities.
Main image: Syrian opposition fighters celebrate after the Syrian government collapsed in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
