There have been fierce clashes on the outskirts of Syria's capital, Damascus, as government forces continue their offensive on opposition-held areas.
The fighting between rebels and troops on Tuesday centred on the southern suburb of Hajira, activists said.
Last week, the government recaptured the nearby town of Sbeineh, one of the most important rebel positions.
Meanwhile, mortars were fired at several government-held districts of Damascus, state media said.
Ten people were wounded when shells hit the office of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) near the Central Bank of Syria in the Mazraa district, the pro-government militant group said.
Elsewhere, mortar fire wounded six others near a hospital and a market.
Four children and their bus driver were killed on Monday when mortars hit their school bus as it took them home to the predominantly Christian area of Bab Sharqi, in the east of the Old City.