Rare video footage shows the dramatic explosion of a Syrian tank destroyed by high explosive charges planted by opposition forces at a fixed tank position.

The tank is seen taking up its station at a fixed incline position from which it can control a key point overlooking traffic, right next to a road barrier manned by Syrian soldiers.

As soon as the tank takes its post, a tremendous blast is heard which sends the tank turret flying as the tank is engulfed by flames.

The video documents how rebel forces have improved their tactics and continue to surprise the Syrian army by locating their weak points. A high explosive charge had been placed at the fixed tank position, with rebels observing the tank's approach from a hidden location.

The rebel fighter filming the video is heard exulting over the attack's success, saying the rebels do not need the US or Europe as they "rely solely on Allah" in their war against Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime. Such sentiments underline how a lack of backing from western nations of the Syrian rebel movement has allowed Islamist groups to make inroads.

A bus is seen passing by the tank at the time of the explosion, but it does not appear to have received significant damage from the film.

The video can be seen here:

Meanwhile on Sunday opposition forces, namely the Syrian National Coalition (SNC), reportedly agreed to attend Geneva peace talks aimed at ending the conflict which is now in its third year and has left more than 120,000 dead since March 2011.

The SNC stipulated its continued demand that talks must result in a transition of leadership, and that Assad must be removed.

The more extreme Islamist groups among the rebel forces have opposed the talks, saying that attending them amounts to treason.