Damascus: Mid-day news update 5-1-13

The update from Damascus and its suburbs is provided by Shahed News, a network of vetted Syrian citizen journalists providing independent, accurate and reliable news from Damascus and its suburbs.

Damascus:

* Most roads in the city are empty and easy to maneuver. The army checkpoint at Chamdin Square stops cars and check passenger IDs.

* Regime forces and the popular militias known as the Defense Army continue their fierce campaign in the downtown area of Barzeh for the 6^th day. The campaign followed a siege which lasted for more than 90 days. The FSA resisted the army and shabiha attempts to invade the area, and caused them large losses in lives.

Outer Damascus:

* Eastern Ghouta after an airstrike at 11:50am Damascus time on Wednesday.