Rebels claim Syria forces deaths

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REUTERS IS UNABLE TO VERIFY INDEPENDENTLY THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO WHICH HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM A SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE

Amateur video appears to show the aftermath of an attack on Syrian government forces near Damascus.

Reuters isn't able to independently verify the footage which was obtained from a social media website.

The rebel Free Syrian Army says it killed several members of the security forces and pro-government militia in the attack on Sunday in Douma.

Further amateur video appears to show a large gathering for a funeral procession in the Yabrud suburb of the capital the same day.

This was also obtained from a social media website and, again, can't be independently verified.

A sign gives the place and date and says the funeral is for 'heroic young martyr Moussa Khadra'.

There's no sign of an end to Syria's uprising, now into its 15th month.

But the rebels are now starting to attack army and security strongholds and fighting gun battles with troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

That's forcing him to devote more resources to protecting Damascus.

The rebels have also infiltrated the city.

When night falls demonstrations once easily put down by loyalist militia now take place openly under rebel protection close to central areas.

The developments raise the once-unlikely spectre that Damascus could slip from Assad's grip.

Paul Chapman, Reuters