The fight for control of towns outside Damascus is far from over.
If anything, it has intensified -- especially in the city of Adra where the Syrian army launched a major offensive. They say they've already regained control of several gas plants and other utilities.
And a critical discovery -- a 200-meter tunnel.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) A SYRIAN OFFICER, SAYING:
"We found a tunnel that links Tal al-Sawwan with central Adra. It is 4 metres deep and it was bombed. We disabled the bombs and took them away from the tunnel."
Ferocious battles between government forces and rebel groups, including the al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front, are raging across Damascus.
Just as the U.S. has said it's prepared to carry out air strikes to stop the advance of Islamic State, the Syrian military has stepped-up its offensive. And the sounds of bullets fill the air.
