Assad attends Eid prayer at Damascus mosque

Syria's President makes a rare public appearance Tuesday, at the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid.

President Bashar al-Assad, whose forces are battling a civil war which grew out of protests against his rule two years ago, was shown on state television attending morning prayers with ministers at a Damascus mosque at the start of the Eid holiday.

As war rages across the country in Aleppo -- residents pray.

Rebel fighters walk through war torn streets.

For children a few signs of normalcy as they have a chance to celebrate the day.

Some enjoy a turn on a ferris wheel.

Others enjoy rides through the street.

But they can't forget the war.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED BOY, SAYING;

"Eid today is not good because of the shelling."

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED BOY, SAYING;

"Last Eid was good but not this one."

Rights groups say 170 people were killed on Monday alone.