Syrian troops attack Damascus suburb

Activists say Syrian troops are attacking a suburb of the capital Damascus in what they described as one of the most violent campaigns since the year-old uprising began.

The Britiain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says 8221;a major operation8221; is under way in the suburb of Douma,with tanks shelling the area and clashes between troops and army defectors.

Douma-based activist Mohammed Saeed said Thursday8217;s operation is 8221;one of the most violent campaigns against the area8221; since the uprising against President Bashar Assad8217;s regime began in March last year.