Anti-government forces in Syria have announced on state television that they have freed Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

The Russian foreign ministry says Assad has decided to step down as president and has already left Syria.

Rebel forces began to step up their offensive on November 27. They reached Damascus from the north and the south by taking control of key cities.

The Assad government quickly weakened in the face of the offensive. The conflicts in Lebanon and Ukraine have hampered efforts by the Lebanon-based Shia Muslim group Hezbollah and Russia to provide it with military support.
A man in Damascus said: "I'm enjoying this moment after 13 years of pressure and tragedy. We are now free of oppression or any fear."

Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali posted a video on social media on Sunday. He said the government was ready to "extend its hand to the opposition."

Jalali said: "We will leave this matter to any new leadership chosen by the Syrian people. We are ready to cooperate."

The Russian foreign ministry says Assad decided to step down and has left Syria after giving orders for a peaceful transfer of power.