The Syrian army has moved to retake control of the Damascus suburbs from rebel forces. Troops backed by tanks have been shelling rebel-held areas to the east and north of the city. Dozens of people have reportedly been killed in what activists describe as the fiercest fighting around the capital during the 10 month-uprising. The major escalation came as the Arab League suspended its month-old monitoring mission in the country. Activists have reported fierce clashes between soldiers and deserters and authorities warned the country would be "cleansed" of outlaws.