Syrian rebels are closing in on Damascus from the north and south, and have entered the key city of Homs, according to reports.

The Syrian presidency has denied reports that President Bashar alAssad has left Damascus.

The leader of the Islamist militant group HTS said their goal is the overthrow of Assad's regime.

Protesters have brought down the statue of the Syrian president's father in the suburb of Jermana, about 10km from Damascus, a witness told the Reuters news agency.

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