Syrian President Bashar al-Assad escapes rocket attack by rebels on way to Eid prayers in Damascus

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had a close escape when he got attacked, while on his way to a mosque in Damascus for Eid al-Fitr prayers.

According to The Guardian, Syrian rebels had launched a mortar attack on a convoy carrying Assad on Thursday, but he was unharmed.

At least three small rockets were launched targeting his convoy that arrived at the Enas bin Malik mosque for prayers to mark the beginning of the three-day Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr early in the morning, the report added.

Syria's information minister, Omran al-Zoubi, has denied the reports of attack, saying that Assad was safe and well.

However, two rebel groups, who have claimed responsibility for the attack, reportedly said that there were some casualties and damage to one vehicle.

The first attack on Assad was set to target high profile members of the regime and has underscored the country's crippling civil war getting close to its seat of power.

Syrian opposition comprises of almost entire Sunni civilians, alongwith foreign jihadists, who have flocked to the region over past 13 months.