Syria's Internet back after eight-hour blackout

Syria's Internet started working again on Wednesday evening, a US web tracking firm said, and residents reported phone lines were back up after an eight-hour blackout left much of the population cut off from the outside world.

Communication networks have been crucial for opposition activists trying to get out videos and information about a two-year conflict that has killed at least 80,000 people, according to a rights group opposed to President Bashar Assad. (Reuters)