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REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO, OBTAINED FROM A SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE

Amateur video purports to show rebels shooting down a Syrian army helicopter on Monday while it was bombarding the Damascus neighbourhood of Jobar, as heavy fighting broke out between rebels and troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in the district.

The witnesses said a helicopter was engulfed in flames after it was hit by a projectile during a burst of gunfire and then came down in the nearby district of Qaboun.

Video footage taken by activists also showed a burning helicopter falling to the ground.

Reuters is unable to independently verify the content of this video.

Syrian state television said in a news flash a helicopter had crashed in Damascus, but offered no further details.