Syrian rebels have captured a major air base in the north of the country after months of fighting, activist groups said today.

Syrian rebels have shot down a military helicopter in the country’s east, killing eight government troops on board.

At least 13 people have been killed and scores injured in a powerful explosion which hit the heart of Damascus.

Syria’s Prime Minister has escaped an assassination attempt after a bomb exploded near his convoy in Damascus.

Syrian troops fought intense battles today against rebels who are trying to capture two military bases in the northwest and step up their attacks on army compounds elsewhere in the nation, activists said.