Hundreds Take to Damascus Streets to Support President Assad after US-Led Strike (+Photos)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hundreds of Syrians are demonstrating in a landmark square of the Syrian capital, waving victory signs and honking their car horns in a show of defiance against the recent US-led strike on the Arab country.
The demonstrations broke out early Saturday following a wave of US, British and French military strikes against Syria over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Douma. The Syrian government has strongly denied the accusations.
In Damascus, hundreds of residents gathered in Omayyad Square, many waving Syrian, Russian and Iranian flags. Some clapped their hands and danced, others drove in convoys, honking their horns.
“We are your men, Bashar,” they shouted, according to SANA news agency.
State TV broadcast live from the square where a large crowd of civilians mixed with men in uniforms, including an actor, lawmakers and other figures.
“Good morning steadfastness,” one broadcaster said.
At least six loud explosions were heard in Damascus in the early hours of Saturday and smoke was seen rising over the Syrian capital, a witness said. A second witness said the Barzah district of Damascus had been hit in the strikes. Barzah is the location of a major Syrian scientific research center.
Syrian air defenses managed to shoot down 13 missiles fired in the US-led attack on the country on Saturday, Syrian state TV said. The missiles had been shot down in the Kiswah area south of the capital Damascus, it said.
