Syrian president flees as rebels storm Damascus

Syrian strongman President Bashar al Assad has fled Damascus as rebels advanced into the capital Sunday morning.

Assad is said to have stepped down and fled after talks with opposition forces.

It was not immediately made clear where he had sought refuge.

Assad, a close ally of Russia, has been on the cross hairs of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who had mounted a fierce battle to overthrow him.

Rebel movement leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani confirmed the strongman fled his men's advance.

Assad presided power for years, leading the country with what critics termed as ‘iron fist’.

Residents in Damascus and Homs turned up in the streets to welcome the advance into the capital by the rebels.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since ordered his military to seize the buffer zone that separates the two countries in the Golan Heights.

The president's reported departure comes less than two(2) weeks since the rebels launched their campaign.