Syrian government in clashes with rebellion

and have been heavily damaged by the bombardment.

He said some 20,000 residents have fled the opposition-held quarters of the city since February.

The government’s attacks have been concentrated on Daraa’s Old City and its Palestinian refugee camp, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

It reported clashes between rebels and pro-government gunmen inside the camp, which is a built-up residential area. An infant was killed in rebel shelling of the government-held parts of the city, according to the Observatory and Syrian state media.

A “de-escalation agreement” brokered by Iran, Russia and Turkey in May has not brought any relief for the city, activists said.

The agreement covers four zones in Syria where the rebels are fighting pro-government forces.

Syria is in the sixth year of a civil war that has killed more than 400,000 people. FELLOW Republicans are pressing President Donald Trump to come clean about whether he has tapes of private conversations with former FBI director James Comey.

The request is a sign of escalating fallout from riveting testimony from Mr Comey last week of undue pressure from Mr Trump. The President has responded to Mr Comey’s assertions by accusing him of lying.

Meanwhile, the Senate investigation into collusion with Russia or obstruction of justice is extending to a Trump cabinet member.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions is in for sharp questioning today by senators on the Senate intelligence committee. Whether that hearing will be public or closed is not yet known.

“I don’t understand why the President just doesn’t clear this matter up once and for all,” said Senator Susan Collins, a member of that committee, referring to the existence of any recordings.

She described Mr Comey’s testimony as “candid” and “thorough” and said she would support a subpoena if needed. Mr Trump “should voluntarily turn them over,”she said.

Senator James Lankford, also a member