Syrian rebels battle to repulse Damascus assault

Gunfights broke out close to the Syrian capital today as troops loyal to the president fought running battles with a growing rebel army. Later today the United Nations was debating a resolution demanding President Bashar Assad hand power to his vice-president.

Videos online showed a government tank on the snowy mountain plateau overlooking Damascus firing at residential area. Others portrayed army defectors firing back at regime soldiers.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "intense shooting" had been heard in the suburbs of Zamalka and Arbeen as government troops and tanks advanced. More than 2,000 government troops are trying to retake eastern parts of Damascus controlled by the Free Syrian Army.

Up to 100 people have been reported killed since Sunday.