The Syrian army has launched fresh offensives on conflict areas of Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo.

Activists say at least eight people have been killed in the capital, with more casualties reported in Aleppo following an aerial bombardment.

While the fighting continues, anti-government forces are becoming more coordinated and sophisticated in their attacks on government targets.

The New York Times has released a video which shows Free Syrian Army rebels trying to use a prisoner as an unwitting suicide bomber, as the BBC's Gordon Corera reports.