Syria's Internet blackout has lifted in the capital of Damascus and other key cities, at least for the time being, reports the BBC and al-Jazeera.

Access went down three days ago across the nation, with most observers blaming the government. The blackout has made reports sketchy, though rebels cite heavy government bombing in and around the capital.

Reuters notes the stakes involved in the fight for the suburbs of Kafar Souseh and Darraya: "If rebels maintain a presence in these areas, they will hold ground in a continuous arc from the northeast to southwest of the capital's outer districts. "