What we know:

• Rebel forces in Damascus declare the capital city “free” of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad as government forces withdraw
• Reports say that Assad has left Damascus by plane for an unknown destination
• Unverified footage shared on social media shows thousands of inmates have been freed from the notorious Saydnaya prison – where Assad’s opponents were tortured and executed
• The rebel advance on Damascus comes after they said they had “fully liberated” the city of Homs