Syrian rebels have reached the centre of Homs after government forces fled the city, according to reports, as speculation grows about the whereabouts of President Bashar al-Assad.
Journalist Timour Azhari posted on X: “Syrian government forces seen withdrawing from Homs, residents say. Rebels take control of Homs central prison, freeing hundreds of inmates.
“Homs is falling.”
This comes as Reuters reports that Syria rebels are now entering the central quarters of Homs.
Syria descended into civil war in 2011, but Assad was kept in power thanks largely to Russia and Hezbollah’s military interventions.
Assad had brutally suppressed the Arab Spring uprisings, provoking anti-government forces to try and bring down his regime.
But with Russia distracted in Ukraine and Iran’s proxies fighting Israel, Syrian rebel groups have launched a surprise offensive in recent days.
They took the crucial cities of Aleppo and Hama this week, and now have their eyes set on Homs and the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Middle East expert Charles Lister cited a source who claimed Assad may have already fled Syria after a plane departed Damascus earlier today.
He said: “Source — earlier tonight, a plane flew into Damascus from the east, likely containing an Iran VIP. It then flew to the UAE.
“Hours later, Assad is reportedly missing. He may have fled.”
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