Syrian rebels unable to unlock Sednaya prison's underground cells but free hundreds

Sednaya prison, Syria’s “human slaughterhouse” fell into the hands of the rebels on Saturday as Bashar al-Assad's rule came to an end.

Fighters freed hundreds of inmates, including women and young children. However, there were subterranean cells that they were not yet able to access.

“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison,” rebels said shortly after taking over the notorious facility.

Footage from the prison showed rebels breaking doors open and telling inmates they were free.

Thousands were seen leaving the prison, with people screaming in the streets. Many had been in the prison for several years.

Read more: Syrian rebels unable to unlock Sednaya prison's underground cells but free hundreds