Syria rebels clash with Assad guard
Activists have reported heavy clashes between Syrian rebels and the elite Republican Guard in two suburbs of the capital, Damascus, today.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes erupted in the suburbs of Qudsaya and Hammah, and that several people have been reported killed but gave no figures.
The Republican Guard’s main job is to protect the capital, the seat of President Bashar Assad’s power.
Although Damascus is under the firm control of Assad’s forces, clashes erupt regularly in the suburbs between troops and rebels.
Today’s clashes were reported near the housing compounds and bases of the Republican Guard.
