Syrian govt forces beat back rebels

AMMAN / UNITED NATIONS - Syrian government forces reasserted control of Damascus suburbs on Tuesday after beating back rebels at the capital's doorstep, and Russia warned that an international effort to resolve the conflict could instead lead to civil war.

Government forces on Monday regained control of most of the capital's eastern suburbs after dissident soldiers captured the territory last week. Soldiers moved early on Tuesday into the two remaining towns still in rebel hands, activists said.

Seven loud explosions were heard Tuesday from the capital Damascus' eastern suburb of Rankous, eyewitnesses said.