Assad deploys foreign fighters in capital to protect Shiite shrines

"Shiite fighters from neighboring countries are flocking to Damascus to defend their religious sites and defend Bashar al-Assad against advancing Sunni-dominated opposition forces. Many of these foreign guerrillas fight under the umbrella group of Abu al Fadl al-Abbas brigade. They come from Iraq, Lebanon, Iran and Pakistan."

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/05/Assad-deploys-foreign-fighters-in-capital-to-protect-Shiite-shrines.html#

The sectarian strife between the Sunnis and Shiites is at its worst in Syria. It is very possible that the people of Syria themselves will eventually fulfill the dire prophecy of Isaiah 17:1.

"The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." Isaiah 17:1 (KJV)