Defiant Assad visits Damascus power plant Syria's President Bashar al Assad has made a rare public appearance, visiting a power plant in the capital, Damascus. In footage broadcast by Syrian television, the president appeared relaxed - while the facility itself looked to be untouched by the violence that has destroyed parts of the city. Assad is facing a revolt against his rule that began two years ago and has escalated into civil war. Speaking at the power plant, the President commented on a bomb blast that killed 13 people in the capital on April 30. Assad said "we are all now standing in defiance" and "we will not be afraid." More about: Armed conflicts, Bashar al-Assad, Syria, Syrian politics