Assad on the ropes?
Syrian regime battles rebels outside Damascus
Associated Press
BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian activists say there are heavy clashes underway on the outskirts of Damascusbetween President Bashar Assad’s troops and rebels trying to topple him.
The activists say both sides have sustained losses in Wednesday’s fighting.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the clashes are focused on opposition strongholds around the capital, including the suburbs of Daraya and Harasta.
The group says at least 28 rebels and 13 soldiers have been killed there.
Fighting is also raging around the northern city of Aleppo and in the southern Daraa province.