The word "Damascus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is the capital and largest city of Syria, and is often used as a metaphor for a distant and mysterious place. For example, "The couple was off on a grand adventure to Damascus, no one knew what to expect".
Ahmad speculated that the area targeted may have been Eastern Ghouta to the east of Damascus.
She also reported what she had heard had taken place in Harasta, north-east Damascus.
In Syria, hundreds of civilians fled from rebel-held towns east of Damascus that had been blockaded for at least 18 months.
"I met in Damascus a president who was very aware of the critical situation," said Salehi, who saw the Syrian leader two weeks ago.
7 February: Britain and the US recall their ambassadors to Damascus in protest at the Assad regime's "murderous" behaviour towards its own civilians.
Residents said smoke was billowing from the area in south-eastern Damascus and an activist said ambulances were rushing to the scene.
Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 3.58pm BST15:58 More on Damascus bombing Reuters has more detail on today's bomb attack in Damascus.
The state news channel Syria TV quoted a government official as saying two improvised explosives planted by "terrorists" blew up near the "Sons of Martyrs" school in Damascus.
Activist in Yarmouk, Damascus describes scene after blasts kill at least 20 people #Syria (mp3) Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.37pm BST14:37 Many Syrians unmoved by Annan's resignation Kofi Annan's resignation isn't exactly big news in northern Syria, according to this tweet from Mary Fitzgerald of the Irish Times.
Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.37pm BST14:37 Horrific aftermath of bombing of Yarmouk in Damascus Very disturbing video footage has emerged purporting to show the aftermath of a mortar bombardment on the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in south-east Damascus.
