Baghdad, Iraq- Armed clashes have intensified in Damascus as security forces loyal to transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa confront remnants of the former Syrian regime. The violence has spread to the Mazzeh district, where unidentified attackers targeted a security checkpoint, throwing grenades and triggering a powerful explosion in Mazzeh 86. Gunfire erupted between security forces and ex-regime loyalists following the blast.
Syrian state television confirmed the attack, reporting no casualties, while social media footage showed security personnel responding to gunfire near the checkpoint. Clashes have also been reported on Mazzeh’s main highway, with authorities detaining several former regime loyalists.
The escalation comes after President Al-Sharaa vowed to hold accountable those involved in last week’s coastal violence, which saw fierce clashes in Alawite-majority areas. Reports indicate over 1,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the ongoing unrest.
