Beirut, Dec 19: Syria's state media say the military is carrying out a broad operation against rebels in the suburbs of Damascus.
The state-run SANA news agency says the troops have killed “scores of terrorists” the government term for opposition fighters trying to topple President Bashar Assad.
It says Wednesday's fighting was taking place in southern districts of Daraya, Harasta, Douma and Hajar Aswad, which is near the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk.
The areas have been opposition strongholds since the uprising started in March 2011. The rebels have recently made significant advances in the capital's outskirts, capturing military bases and fighting a pro-government Palestinian group deep in Yarmouk.
On Tuesday, Syrian fighter jets bombed Yarmouk for the second time in a week, sending thousands fleeing.
