Damascus airport closes temporarily due to violent clashes

[Chris]

Damascus airport closes temporarily due to v... JPost - Headlines

Damascus airport closes temporarily due to violent clashes
By JPOST.COM STAFF 01/29/2012 17:16

The Damascus international airport was temporarily closed Sunday as government security forces and opposition activists clashed nearby, Al Arabiya reported. Gun battles reportedly broke out between the Syria Free Army and government militias in the town of Anath Turkmen, on the road to the airport, prompting security officials to close the road. The Syrian opposition said at least 40 people had been gunned down by armed forces across the country. Al Jazeera said some 22 soldiers had been shot dead.

[Chris]

This would seem kind of significant to me. But it seems the whole city is getting worse. I remember an Israeli politician said that Assad's days were numbered in weeks. I wonder if things are going to get serious soon as far as his removal?

[Forgiven]

Apparently the airport shootout was due to Assad's family trying to sneak out of Syria.

According to the report, security forces tried to aid the president's wife Asma Assad, to escape via Damascus, along with his children, mother and cousin.

The sources told Al-Masry-Al-Youm that "a convoy of official vehicles was seen heading to the airport in Damascus," before they were intercepted by brigades of army defectors.

According to the source, there was a heavy exchange of fire between the security forces and the Free Syrian Army forces; the family were prevented from escaping and returned to the presidential palace.

'Assad's family attempts to escape Syria' - JPost - Middle East