Clashes renewed Tuesday between regime army and rebels in the eastern district of Damascus as regime forces launch offensive to take the industrial zone near Qaboun neighborhood.
The rebel factions led by Failaq al-Rahman have thwarted the attack, leaving dozens of army troops killed and wounded as well they destroyed two tanks, local activists said.
The capital that enjoyed months of clam come into fire three weeks ago after rebels had launched surprised offensive where they seized several buildings in Jobar before advancing into the neighboring Abbasid Square area -- the first time in two years that the opposition had advanced so close to the capital's center.
Rebels were driven back from Abbasid Square but still controlled several key points in an industrial zone lying between Jobar and the besieged northeastern district of Qaboun to the north.
In relevant development, the World Health Organization said the health situation is deteriorating in Syria's Eastern Ghouta region near Damascus, where 300,000 people are besieged and none of the three hospitals is functioning,
"Time is running out for the people of East Ghouta. As health needs increase, available resources are being depleted day by day. Our main goal now is to provide access to lifesaving care for thousands of vulnerable men, women and children immediately," Elizabeth Hoff, WHO Representative in Syria, said in a statement.
Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assad's rule but has morphed over the years into a complex civil war.
More than 465,000 people have been killed and millions more have been displaced by the conflict
