I still can’t believe our government is on the same side as al-Qaeda.

BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian branch of al-Qaeda on Tuesday claimed responsibility for what the group said were suicide attacks on security compounds in Damascus that killed at least five people, while troops fought rebels on the edge of the capital in the latest surge of violence in the Syrian capital.

The claim by Jabhat al-Nusra — the first in months — came as the UN’s special representative trying to end Syria’s civil war said hopes for convening a peace conference next month are fading.

The Nusra Front has emerged as the most effective fighting force on the side of the opposition fighting to oust President Bashar Assad. The group has previously claimed car bombings and attacks on government soldiers and its fighters have been leading other rebels groups in battles for military bases in the north much of which is under control of the opposition.

The group’s affiliation with al-Qaeda, however, has significantly contributed to the reluctance of the opposition’s Western backers to arm the rebels with heavier weapons.