'Protect our people': Armed Syrian volunteers watch over Damascus

Every night, Damascus residents stand guard outside shops and homes armed with light weapons often supplied by Syria's new rulers, eager to fill the security vacuum that followed the recent takeover.

After Islamist-led rebels ousted former president Bashar AI Assad in early December, thousands of soldiers, policemen and other security officials deserted their posts, leaving the door open to petty theft, looting and other crimes.

The new Syrian authorities now face the mammoth challenge of rebuilding state institutions shaped by the Assad family's five-decade rule, including the army and security apparatuses that have all but collapsed.

In the meantime, Damascenes have jumped into action.

In the Old City, Fadi Raslan, 42, was among dozens of people cautiously watching the streets, his finger on the trigger of his gun.

"We have women and elderly people at home. We are trying to protect our people with this volunteer-based initiative," he told AFP.

"Syria needs us right now, we must stand together." Local committees have taken over some of the deserted checkpoints, with the authorities' approval.

Hussam Yahya, 49, and his friends have been taking turns guarding their neighbourhood, Shaghour, inspecting vehicles.