Syrian troops kill 30 opposition fighters in Damascus

BEIRUT – State media and activists say government forces have killed at least 30 rebels in an ambush in the suburbs of Damascus.

State news agency SANA said Thursday that 50 "terrorists" were killed in an ambush as they tried to flee the eastern suburb of Maydaa toward the nearby area of Dumair. State media refers to rebels as terrorists.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 30 men were killed in the Wednesday night ambush. Another activist said more than 30 rebels were killed. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of retribution.

Syrian troops have been on the offensive in areas near the capital in a bid to secure President Bashar Assad's seat of power.