Festive lights, security tight in Damascus

DAMASCUS: Christmas lights illuminate Damascus's Old City while government forces patrol its shadows as security fears haunt Syria's Christian community. Interior ministry forces searched some pedestrians or stopped people on motorbikes in the Old City. At one of the district's main entrances, an armed member of the government security forces was holding a walkie-talkie and a map of where his personnel were deployed. "We've put a security plan in place that includes several districts and areas in the capital, in order to ensure the safety of all citizens," he said on condition of anonymity. "It is the state's duty to protect all its people, Christian and Muslim, and today we are doing our duty to protect the churches and secure people's celebrations," he added.

In the Old City, home to a small but vibrant Christian community and several important churches, red baubles hang from some trees, shopkeepers have put up Christmas decorations and street vendors peddle warm chestnuts. So-called neighbourhood committees are also providing additional security, with dozens of local Christians protecting churches in coordination with government forces. — AFP