Activists: Syrian rebels clash with elite troops

BEIRUT (AP) ? Activists are reporting heavy clashes between Syrian rebels and the elite Republican Guard in two suburbs of the capital Damascus.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the clashes erupted on Tuesday in the suburbs of Qudsaya and Hammah. It says that several people have been reported killed but gave no figures.

The Republican Guard's main job is to protect the capital, the seat of President Bashar Assad's power. Although Damascus is under the firm control of Assad's forces, clashes erupt regularly in the suburbs between troops and rebels.

Tuesday's clashes were reported near the housing compounds and bases of the Republican Guard.

Associated Press

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