Parallel Clashes Take on Syria’s Capital

On July 13, anti-government protestors clashed with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad supporters in districts of the capital, Damascus, after a night of gunfire.

Protesters in Qatana were throwing rocks, using metal sticks and breaking up breeze blocks for shelters.

The following day, on July 14th, witness reports showed demolished shops, burnt cars, and smashed goods which were scattered across floors. Interior and exterior surface of shops were blackened by smoke.

Syrian security forces have arrested at least 30 people, including an actress and a writer, during the pro-democracy protest in Damascus.

Mass arrests and the heavy deployment of security forces, including Alawite militia known as Shabbiha, have banned protests in central Damascus and the commercial hub of Aleppo.

On July 11, both French and United States embassies were attacked by Assad supporters.