(Reuters) -- The "Syrian Observatory for Human Rights", a Britain-based war monitor, said there was intense fighting accompanied by large blasts, heavy shelling and air raids after an attack by [extremist] rebels.

A military media unit run by Hezbollah said the Syrian army had repulsed an attack by [extremist] rebels in eastern Ghouta, detonating an insurgent car bomb. It had then responded to the assault with shelling and air strikes, it said.

A resident of Damascus said bombardment could be heard coming from eastern Ghouta on Sunday morning and smoke was visible.

(Image: SANA, southfront)