* Buildings in Damascus are ruinous heaps
* Vehicles and buildings have been blown up in Damascus
* Blood and garbage as a result of killings and battle line the streets
* Photos and videos of the devastating damage to Damascus are provided by mainstream news media throughout the internet

Bab al-Salam, Syria:  Syrian troops have driven back rebels in two districts in Damascus, a week after insurgents launched a major attack on the capital.  Witnesses say that young men are summarily executed in Damascus, reported Reuters.  Government troops took control of the Damascus neighborhood of Mezzeh and executed at least 20 unarmed men aged 20 to 30.  "Most had bullet holes, one with as many as 18.  Three had their hands tied behind their backs.  Some of the men were even in their pajamas.  Several men had their legs broken and fingers missing.  Others were stabbed with knives," said Bashir al-Kheir, one of the activists. 

In Barzeh, members of the Syrian army under the command of Assad's brother, Maher Assad, executed several young men to regain control northern Damascus.  The rebels have gained control of a border crossing with Iraq and another crossing with Turkey, which is a show of progress for the revolutionaries.  Rebels also seized an army infantry school in the town of Musalmiyeh and captured several loyalist officers, while others defected, a senior military defector in Turkey said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 1,261 people were killed in Damascus, including 299 of Assad's forces.  It is reported that the uprising has claimed about 19,000 lives. 

Arab countries would help to ensure safe passage out of Syria for President Assad, if he stepped down quickly, something he has shown no inclination to do, reported Reuters. 

As we, who discern the times, watch the "count down" of Bible prophecies being fulfilled before our eyes, I have been waiting for the invasion of Damascus, according to the prophecies given by Jeremiah and Isaiah thousands of years ago regarding the last days.  The Bible says, "Damascus is waxed feeble and turns herself to flee, and fear has seized on her; anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail" Jeremiah 49:24.  In fact, after Syrian forces bombed a northern Damascus suburb in an attempt to seize the town from rebels, thousands fled the area, just as Jeremiah prophesied they would. 

These battles mark the beginning of the end of Damascus.  The Word of God also says, "The burden of Damascus.  Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city and it shall be a ruinous heap" Isaiah17:1.  This is among the many signs marking the last days, the last generation, which will see the return of the Lord.  

Are you ready for the return of the Lord?  Are you ready to face Him and give an account of the life you have lived on earth?  If not, please visit the How Can I Be Saved page of this website.  God bless you.