Protests turn violent in Damascus neighborhoods linked to former regime

DAMASCUS, Syria — DAMASCUS — Protesters gathered in several Damascus neighborhoods in recent hours, targeting areas whose residents are accused of ties to the former Assad regime, according to local reports. Demonstrators assembled near the entrance to the Mezze 86 district and marched toward residents they described as beneficiaries of the ousted government, some carrying written demands that the families leave the area over alleged land seizures. Security forces fired into the air to disperse the crowds and urged residents to remain in their homes. Internal security units sent additional reinforcements to the area after some businesses and private properties were damaged, the reports said. Authorities said operations were underway to detain those responsible and restore stability. In the Bizza district, security forces closed the entrance to the Aşavu'r-Re'vur area to prevent the protests from spreading to adjacent neighborhoods. Separately, in the city of Tadmur in Homs province, dozens of families were displaced after being accused of links to remnants of the former regime.