Clashes in Damascus as rebels carry out surprise attack on capital

BY Libyan Express Mar 20, 2017 - 12:14

Smoke billows following a reported air strike in the rebel-held parts of the Jobar district, on the eastern outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, on March 19, 2017. Heavy clashes rocked eastern districts of Damscus as rebels and jihadists tried to fight their way into the city centre in a surprise assault on government forces. AFP

BBC – Syrian security forces have engaged in fierce clashes with rebels on the eastern outskirts of Damascus.

Artillery shells and rockets landed in the heart of the capital as part of a surprise rebel attack launched in the Jobar district.

The assault began early on Sunday with car bombs and suicide attacks, activists said. State media said secret tunnels were also used.

The military says it managed to push the rebels back.

Government warplanes launched more than 30 air strikes on rebel positions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a group of activists monitoring the conflict.

The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.