Internet Service Resumes In Syria After Two-Day Blackout

News agencies report that Internet service has returned in Damascus after a two-day blackout.

It's not yet clear whether mobile-phone service also returned on December 1 after being cut off during the same period.

The blackout of communications has come amid claims that the Syrian government is deliberately looking to deny communication among opposition activists and rebels.

Meanwhile, fighting between Syrian government troops and rebels in the vicinity of the Damascus airport has caused several airlines to suspend service to the Syrian capital.

Government forces on December 1 shelled the suburban district of Al-Basateen in an attempt to secure areas surrounding the airport.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said November 30 that the 20-month conflict in Syria had reached "new and appalling heights of brutality and violence."

The fighting has killed 40,000 people, mostly civilians.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa