Syrian troops attack rebel areas in and around Damascus a day after bomb kills regime leaders

BEIRUT – Anti-regime activists say government forces are shelling a number of neighbourhoods in and around the capital Damascus a day after a bomb killed three members of President Bashar Assad’s inner circle.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported shelling in number of areas Thursday. It says residents are fleeing parts of the Mezzeh neighbourhood after troops surrounded it and clashed with local rebels.

The group says rebels damaged one helicopter and disabled three military vehicles.

Wednesday’s bombing targeted a high-level crisis meeting, killing the defence minister, his deputy, who is Assad’s brother-in-law, and a former defence minister. Other officials were wounded.

The whereabouts of Assad, his wife and his three young children remain unknown.

The attack could mark a turning point in Syria’s 16-month crisis.