Central Damascus was deserted late on Saturday. Many shops had closed early in the day and residents sought shelter in their homes, reports BBC.
The atmosphere is very strange, says a Damascus resident to AP and continues:
What we are worried about is whether there will be fighting here inside Damascus.
When they approached Damascus on Saturday and entered three suburbs, panic spread, and many desperately tried to get hold of basic goods – which in many places cost several times more than just days earlier, writes news agency AP.
I am afraid, very afraid, for myself and my unborn daughter, says pregnant Rania to AFP.
I have tried to buy medicine since this morning but cannot find what I need. It was not like this when I left home this morning, suddenly everyone became very scared.
The queues grew simultaneously at the city's ATMs and gas stations before people sought to head home.
Everyone is afraid and everyone just wants to get home, especially those who live in the suburbs, says journalist Zaina Shahla to BBC.
Dickator Bashar al-Assad has not been seen in public for several days and rumors that he has left the city – which his office vigorously denies – fuel the anxiety, says Zaina Shahla.
Interior Minister Mohammed al-Rahmoun's statements on state TV that government forces have formed an impenetrable ring around the city do not convince either.
We are afraid because we do not know what will happen. Everything is so unclear for everyone, says Zaina Shahla.
