Syrian forces have continued shelling of Mount Kassioun The "Battle for the Liberation of Damascus" which the opposition Free Syrian Army (FSA) announced a few days ago appears to have been launched in earnest. The Syrian capital has been plunged into massive fighting since Sunday morning as clashes continue for the fourth day running in several areas in the south and east.
Military aircraft flew over the city at a low altitude while the FSA has been reported to have taken over several checkpoints in Rif Dimashq, including ones in Darayya, Jober and Zamalka. The FSA is also attempting to take over the Kaboun tunnel.
Syrian forces have continued their constant shelling of Mount Kassioun, the headquarters of the Fourth Division and Abbasid Square in Rif Dimashq. The bombardment of Rif Dimashq province targeted Darayya, Harasta, Douma, Muadamiya, al-Kadam, al-Assali, the Yarmouk refugee camp, Yalda, Yabrud, al-Zabadani, Qatna and other areas.
Two massive explosions rocked the neighbourhood of Arnous in the heart of the capital, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Reports conflict over whether the explosions were caused by mortar shells. The Shahed news network reports the two explosions took place on al-Malek al-Aadel Street and were the result of explosive packages.
The online network says preliminary reports indicate that 10 people were injured and shops and cars were damaged. The Shaam News Network, however, reports that two mortar shells were behind the explosions and asserted that two Syrians were killed. This account is confirmed by the Local Coordination Committees, which reports that a young man was killed and another's limbs were severed by the explosion, adding that the death toll may rise.
Heavy gunfire was heard in the Mazza neighbourhood and the nearby Autostrade was closed. DShK heavy machine guns were also stationed at the Iskan rise as heavy smoke rose from Daryya and the southern ring road. Panic appeared to grip regime forces manning the capital's checkpoints and they started shooting at random. Regime forces also closed the main roads and squares of the capital. Activists also say a wave of "random" arrests of civilians hit many parts of Damascus.