Heavy clashes rocked eastern districts of the Syrian capital today as rebels and jihadists tried to fight their way into the city centre in a surprise assault on government forces. <br/><br/>The attack comes just days before a fresh round of UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva aiming at ending Syria's six-year war.<br/><br/>Rebels and government forces agreed to a nationwide cessation of hostilities in December, but fighting has continued across much of the country, including in the capital.

Heavy clashes rocked eastern districts of the Syrian capital today as rebels and jihadists tried to fight their way into the city centre in a surprise assault on government forces. <br/><br/>The attack comes just days before a fresh round of UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva aiming at ending Syria's six-year war.<br/><br/>Rebels and government forces agreed to a nationwide cessation of hostilities in December, but fighting has continued across much of the country, including in the capital.