Syrian jets bombed rebel-held areas of Damascus yesterday as a countrywide internet blackout entered its third day.

Rebels fighting to oust President Bashar al-Assad clashed with troops in most populated areas of the country.

The opposition-linked Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said planes were bombing Damascus suburbs Kafar Souseh and Darraya. The mostly Sunni Muslim rebels battling Assad, from Syria's Alawite minority, have been making gains by overrunning military bases and ramping up attacks on Damascus.