Syrian rebel groups launched a surprise attack on government forces on the eastern outskirts of Damascus last evening. <br/><br/>Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and state media reports, clashes broke out in the Syrian capital, which has not seen such attacks in months. <br/><br/>The rebel fighters began the attack from the district of Jobar in northeastern Damascus, an area split between rebel and government control. <br/><br/>Since the start of the conflict, the Syrian regime and allied militias have held a very tight grip on the capital. The assault was led by Islamist groups including Ahrar al-Sham and the recently formed umbrella jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that includes Jabhat Fatah al-Sham.<br/>''''<br/>