REBEL advances in the east and north of Syria have captured most attention recently, with opposition fighters using an anti-aircraft missile to bring down a regime plane for the first time this week. But things have also been getting tough for President Bashar Assad in Damascus, the capital.

On Thursday the regime shut the city's airport, and airlines including Emirates and Egypt Air have cancelled flights there until further notice, citing deteriorating security. The closure apparently came after rebels operating in nearby suburbs fired a mortar at the facility. They say the airport is not only being used for military aircraft, but that Mr Assad's allies in Iran and Russia have used civilian planes to fly in money and other support, from advisers to riot equipment.

Heavy clashes ensued on the road from the city to the airport. At the same time, the disabling of the internet and most phone lines nationwide led to widespread fears that the government was planning a large operation in the area. Activists sending out news via satellite connections say this has not materialised so far, though the usual shelling and air strikes have continued across the country. By Friday evening the internet was still down but the airport road had reportedly reopened.

Fighting in Damascus has been increasing for several weeks, with the rebels edging ever closer to the heart of power despite suffering repeated strikes. Even regime figures admit the army no longer has a hold over almost all the eastern and southern areas of the city, where rebels have taken over at least two army bases.