Rebels declare end of Assad rule in Syria

DAMASCUS AFP) Islamist-led rebels declared they had taken Damascus in a lightning offensive yesterday, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria.

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Residents in the Syrian capital were seen cheering in the streets, as the rebel factions heralded the departure of “tyrant” Assad, saying: “We declare the city of Damascus free.”

AFPTV images from Damascus showed rebels fi ring into the air at sunrise, with some fl ashing the victory sign and crying “Allahu akbar,” or God is greatest.

Some climbed atop a tank in celebration, while others defaced a toppled statue of Assad’s father, Hafez.

“I can’t believe I’m living this moment,"