Syria shuts off internet access across the country

Syria shuts off internet access across the country

Shutting down of communications seen as bid to stymie rebel moves as militias attempt assault on the regime's power base

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Martin Chulov in Beirut
The Guardian, Thursday 29 November 2012 12.30 EST

Syrian officials shut down nationwide internet access on Thursday and closed Damascus airport as rebels mounted offensives nearby and tried to advance on the capital from four directions. Phone networks were also crippled in much of the country, causing fear and confusion on both sides and fuelling claims that a new rebel push was gaining momentum.

Syria's information minister blamed "terrorists" for the outage, but the communications shutdown was seen as an attempt to stymie rebel moves as militias try to co-ordinate an assault on Damascus. It was also thought to be aimed at thwarting any plans for advances in other towns and cities.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/29/syria-blocks-int...