BEIRUT/ISKENDERUN, Turkey: Rebel forces attacked Syria’s main court in central Damascus yesterday, state television said. There was a loud explosion and a column of black smoke rose over Damascus, an Assad stronghold that until the last few days had seemed largely beyond the reach of rebels. State television described it as a “terrorist explosion” in the court car park.The car park is used by lawyers and judges working at the Palace, Syria’s highest court. It was unclear if there were casualties in the attack on a potent symbol of Assad’s authority.
The FSA has been rapidly escalating pressure on Damascus in recent weeks, culminating apparently in ThursdayÂ’s attack on the court building.
On Wednesday, rebels stormed a pro-Assad Syrian television channel and militants have targeted police and security personnel barracks. In April militants fired rocket-propelled grenades at the Central Bank building.