Opposition forces hit sensitive regime-controlled positions in the capital on Thursday, showing that no part of the regime's stronghold was safe or exempt from its strikes. The attacks stopped government departments working, cancelled exams at the University of Damascus, and closed many schools.
Zahran Alloush, the leader of Jaish al-Islam ["Army of Islam"], said his forces attacked security centres and checkpoints. Two days earlier Alloush had issued a statement announcing Damascus a military zone and warning citizens against going near checkpoints and regime buildings.
Tthe bombing proves the capital is within opposition forces range of fire, which can bring life to a halt whenever it desires. - Mahmoud al-Dumani, activist |
Activist Mahmoud al-Dumani said the bombing proved the capital was "within opposition forces' range of fire, which can bring life to a halt whenever it desires".
Ghaith al-Shami, another activist, told al-Araby al-Jadeed that more than 200 explosions were heard in capital. The main areas hit were: al-Mazzeh in west Damascus; al-Mazzeh 86, home to a large number of Syrian army soldiers and officers, the upmarket areas of al-Maliki and Abu Rummana where foreign embassies are based and Baramkeh in the heart of the capital where the Syrian News Agency and most Damascus University colleges are located;
Opinions expressed in this article remain those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of al-Araby al-Jadeed, its editorial board or staff.
This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.