The unrest began on 15 March in Damascus, in Aleppo, and in the southern city of Daraa, sometimes called the "Cradle of the Revolution".[23] Daraa had been straining under the influx of internal refugees who were forced to leave their northeastern lands, due to a drought exacerbated by the government's lack of provision.[24] The protests were triggered by the incarceration and torture of several young students, who were arrested for writing anti-government graffiti in the city.[25] Demonstrators clashed with local police, and confrontations escalated on 18 March after Friday prayers.


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