Syrian troops counter-attack after Damascus rebel incursion

BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian government forces launched a counter-attack against rebels in Damascus on Tuesday, following a rebel suicide car bombing and another insurgent assault earlier in the day in the country's capital, media reports said.

It was the second attempt by rebels in three days to penetrate Damascus' defenses.

Rebels have been trying for years to break into the heart of Damascus, at times in conjunction with al-Qaida-linked militants. Al-Qaida-affiliated suicide bombers have been targeting government security installations since the early days of the conflict.

Early on Tuesday, Syrian rebels detonated a car bomb in an eastern neighborhood of Damascus and launched a renewed attack from the city's opposition-held Jobar neighborhood, according to the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group. There were no immediate reports on casualty numbers in those attacks.

Hezbollah is heavily invested in defending Syrian President Bashar Assad in his country's civil war. Its military media arm said fighting was underway Tuesday in Jobar, which Syrian government forces had held under siege since 2013.

Syrian state media later said the military responded with airstrikes and artillery fire and that government forces repelled the attack.

Sounds of blasts and artillery fire shook Damascus, and smoke clouded the skies over the eastern Jobar and Qaboun neighborhoods, where fighting had also broken out on Sunday.

Syria's SANA news agency said government forces encircled the "terrorist groups." It said 15 people were wounded in shelling across the capital.

A rebel blitz spearheaded by Syria's al-Qaida branch shook the eastern parts of Damascus on Sunday, with fighters managing to seize a neighborhood before pro-government forces pushed them back on Monday. It was the most serious insurgent incursion into Damascus since 2012.

The insurgent gains in Damascus, though short-lived, come against the backdrop of months of steady rebel losses to government forces across Syria. It appeared to be an attempt by al-Qaida's affiliate to mount sophisticated attacks against high-value targets to portray itself as the main force capable of fighting the government.

___

Associated Press writer Albert Aji Damascus, Syria, contributed to this report.

Comments

FG set to deploy first batch of CNG vehicles ahead of Tinubu's one year in office come 29th May 2024

FG announce plans to deploy the first batch of CNG Vehicles ahead of first anniversary of Tinubu in office on May 29th 2024. Said N100 billion was allocated to purchase 5,500 CNG vehicles, 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits. Deployment of CNG vehicles is parts of FG’s vision to have at least one million natural gas propelled vehicles on the roads by 2027. The Federal Government has announced plans to start the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and tricycles for mass transit ahead of Tinubu administration’s first anniversary on May 29th. The move was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Sunday April 21st 2024. According to him, the Federal Government allocated N100 billion last year to purchase 5,500 CNG-powered vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits. The funding, which is part of the N500 billion palliative budget, also suppo

CBN asks Nigerian banks to charge 0.5% cybersecurity levy on all transactions

CBN asks Nigerian banks to charge 0.5% cybersecurity levy on all transactions Jerry Wright-Ukwu May 7, 2024 Amid the prevailing challenges in Nigeria, deposit money banks across the country will now implement a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on transactions, as announced in a circular issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dated May 6, 2024. According to the circular addressed to all commercial, merchant, non-interest, and payment service banks, as well as mobile money operators and payment service providers, the levy is in line with the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ( amendment ) Act 2024. “Following the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ( amendment ) Act 2024 and pursuant to the provision of Section 44 (2) (a) of the Act, ‘a levy of 0.5% (0.005) equivalent to a half percent of all electronic transactions value by the business specified in the Second Schedule of the Act’, is to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity F

Reasons why Man United will defeat arsenal this weekend

Manchester United has the potential to claim victory against Arsenal for several concrete reasons: 1) Home Advantage: Playing at Old Trafford, United will have the backing of their home crowd, which could boost the team's morale and performance 2) Strong Attack: With players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes, United boasts a formidable attacking force that can break down Arsenal's defense. 3) Tactical Flexibility: Manager Erik ten Hag has shown adaptability in his tactics and can exploit Arsenal's weaknesses by adjusting his game plan accordingly. 4) Improved Defensive Stability: United has conceded fewer goals in recent matches, suggesting an improvement in their defensive capabilities, which could help them keep Arsenal's attackers at bay. 5) Motivation for Top-Four Finish: United's players will be highly motivated to secure a win against Arsenal, as it could significantly boost their chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premi

uchendu

Search This Blog