Firefight erupts between rebels and Assad's forces

Damascus, Mar 19(ANI): A firefight has reportedly erupted between rebels of the Free Syria Army and President Bashar al-Assad's forces in Damascus.

Witnesses said the sound of machine-guns and rocket-propelled grenades can be heard from the al-Mezze district, the BBC reports.

The neighbourhood is a home to several security facilities and is one of the most heavily guarded parts of Damascus.

"There is fighting near Hamada supermarket and the sound of explosions there and elsewhere in the neighbourhood. Security police have blocked several side streets and the street lighting has been cut off," a witness was quoted, as saying.

The Free Syria Army had seized several Damascus suburbs in January 2012.(ANI)