Syrian insurgents intensified their security measures in Damascus after clashes between those who are now in power and supporters of Bashar Assad

Just a week after President Bashir al-Assad's regime was toppled by the Islamist HTS rebel group, people were going about their lives as usual in Syria's capital, Damascus, shopping and socialising - and with surprisingly few armed rebels patrolling the streets.

Syrian rebels have entered the capital city of Damascus after a shocking takeover of the Middle Eastern country in under two weeks. Syrian President Bashar al Assad, whose whereabouts were unknown, has reportedly left the country. Social media users tracking Assad’s alleged plane noted that it disappeared from flight radar near the city of Homs.

Militias loyal to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which let the revolt against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said they were heading to the Syrian coastal cities of Tartous and Latakia, historically loyal to the Assad regime.