Syrian rebels say they downed a government helicopter in Idlib and continued their efforts to advance on Damascus. Coming under fire in Syria (explosions all around helicopter) --- Within moments, this government helicopter dips below the horizon --- and a column of smoke can be seen rising from the site, not far from Taftanaz air base in Idlib. Nearby, rebels cheer --- a small victory in their bid to take control of the base --- in this latest video posted to a social media website, whose content Reuters cannot indepedently verify. 01/08/2013.