Damascus , Syria 's third largest city , is known as the capital of the revolution . Fighting between army defectors and government forces have left hundreds dead in recent years . Opposition members and pro - regime militia is causing sectarian tensions in the city .
Homs , Syria 's third largest city , is known as the capital of the revolution . Battles between army defectors and government forces have left hundreds dead in recent months . Opposition members say pro-regime militia is stoking sectarian tensions in the city .