Syrian military sees rebels beat back ground attack

Syrian rebel fighters repelled an attack by government forces following brief clashes Friday at the southern edge of the last rebel-held enclave in Syria, activists and the insurgents said.

It was the first attempted ground operation to violate a shaky sevenmonth truce.

The clashes came after days of an intense government escalation against the rebel enclave in northwestern Syria that included Russian airstrikes and indiscriminate barrel bombs.

Russia said its air base in nearby Latakia province came under attack Friday but its forces thwarted the attempt.

The increased fighting has undermined the cease-fire negotiated by Russia and Turkey, in place since September.