Syrian troops shell neighborhoods in Damascus after overnight clashes

This citizen journalism image provided by Shaam News Network SNN, taken on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, purports to show the funeral of Ahmed Ismail Zaqzuq, killed in fighting with pro-government forces in Damascus, Syria. (AP)

BEIRUT – Syrian activists say government troops are shelling neighborhoods in Damascus after overnight clashes with rebel fighters.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the bombardment of the southern neighborhood of Tadamon early Saturday followed street fighting with rebels there.

Another activist group, the Local Coordination Committees, says troops also shelled the nearby neighborhood of Hajar Aswad.

Syrian regime forces have been able to recapture most areas of the capital that rebels seized in a July offensive.

But the opposition fighters continue to stage attacks using hit-and-run tactics in Damascus neighborhoods where they enjoy popular support, such as in Hajar Aswad, Tadamon and Qaboun.

Activists say more than 20,000 people have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar Assad's regime began in March last year.