In Damascus, life is cautiously returning to normal ... "We Syrians, we love life, and life goes on," said the 57-year-old, who hesitated before mentioning she was arrested by government forces ...

Douma, near the country’s capital, Damascus, was once a rebel stronghold ... his presence was so anchored in us,” the 26-year-old says.

In the Old City, Fadi Raslan ... but training is ongoing to increase our numbers," he said. The Damascus committees begin their neighbourhood watches at 22:00 (19:00 GMT) every night and end ...