Syrian Internet largely restored after blackout

BEIRUT (AP) — A U.S.-based firm that monitors online activity has confirmed a “largely complete” restoration of Internet service in Syria following a two-day, nationwide blackout.

Renesys, which studies Internet disruptions, said in a statement Saturday that service went back up around 4:32 local time in Syria.

The communications blackout began Thursday, raising fears of a burst of fighting outside the public eye. The government and rebels have blamed each other for cutting the lines.

Syrian troops are fighting a 20-month-old revolt against the President Bashar Assad’s regime. Activists say some 40,000 people have been killed in the violence.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.