Syrian rebels say they have captured southern city of Daraa

Syrian rebels say they have captured the city of Daraa in the south of the country. According to sources, this happened after a deal was made with the army of President Bashar al-Assad whereby the government troops were allowed to safely withdraw to the capital Damascus.

On Friday, the rebels also took over one of the most important army bases in Daraa province. They are also said to have taken control of at least two border crossings with Jordan.

The rebels, led by fighters from the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), began a new offensive last week. They have now captured the major cities of Aleppo and Hama and are at the gates of Homs.