Heavy clashes underway between Syrian army, foreign-backed militants

Syrian government forces have engaged in heavy clashes with foreign-backed militants in eastern fringes of Damascus. According to Syrian media, the fighting erupted after militants attacked army positions. Officials have been quoted as saying that the militants launched two car bomb attacks in an attempt to storm the army’s defense lines. The two sides reportedly exchanged heavily in Jobar district which stands between the capital city and militant-held Ghouta neighborhood. Syrian troops have been battling militants around the capital for months. They have liberated many districts and villages so far.