Syrian opposition forces have imposed a curfew in Damascus after taking control of the capital, marking a dramatic end to President Bashar al-Assad's rule, as the leader reportedly left the country after ordering a peaceful transfer of power.

The self-declared "military administration" has implemented restrictions on movement from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m., according to state newspaper Al Watan, as opposition forces consolidate their control over the Syrian capital.

Videos uploaded from Damascus show several official offices being looted by opposition forces and locals, with Assad's palaces, the Central Bank of Syria and several other official buildings coming under siege in recent hours. 

Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the transition, with Middle Eastern media outlets broadcasting footage of him leaving his residence accompanied by armed personnel.

Sources indicate an agreement to transfer power to an interim government could be signed by December 9.

The stunning developments come after a swift opposition advance that has seen the capture of major cities, including Aleppo and Hama, in recent days.

The situation represents the most significant shift in Syria's political landscape since the outbreak of civil war in 2011.

International observers and diplomatic sources say the rapidly unfolding situation in Damascus has caught many regional powers by surprise, raising questions about the future stability of Syria and the broader Middle East.

The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to function, though it has urged all Russian nationals to leave Syria immediately while confirming no Russian casualties have occurred in the recent fighting.

The Iranian embassy was earlier vacated and has since been ransacked by locals, according to video coming out of the Syrian capital.

Iranian officials and military were removed from the country in the runup to former President Basher al-Assad reportedly leaving on December 7 by private jet to Abu Dhabi, bne IntelliNews’ reported earlier.