DAMASCUS, Syria — Clashes have escalated around Damascus in the last week after rebel forces ignited fronts south and east of the city, ending a lengthy period of calm for the capital.
Rebel mortar shells rained in the center of Damascus, with 12 shells simultaneously striking several areas of the city on Sept. 16. One rocket hit the Seven Lakes Square near the central bank, and others hit the neighboring Arnous Square, Shaalan neighborhood and al-Rawda Street. The rockets resulted in a number of injuries among civilians, but no reports of deaths. Eyewitnesses also said they heard three simultaneous explosions in Mezzeh 86.
Just a few meters separated me from the shell that fell in Seven Lakes Square. I felt my blood freeze inside my veins. Bystanders screamed and ran in all directions. Security forces tried to stop those who were running so as not to provoke widespread panic. Yet, standing still was no longer useful, so people ran into nearby buildings for cover.
The mortar shells on the city center came as fighting raged in the area of al-Dukhaniyya, 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southeast of Damascus and within the Druze-Christian town of Jaramana.
Al-Dukhaniyya is important as it is the main entrance to the towns of Ain Tarma and Kfar Batna in eastern Ghouta. It's also a gateway to Damascus, specifically the old city — and to the road to the international airport.