Syrian army makes more gains against militants in al-Qusayr
Syrian troops (file photo)
Sun May 26, 2013 4:26PM GMT
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Syrian troops entered al-Qusayr from several directions on May 19 after weeks of clashes with militants. The Syrian army has kicked off the second phase of its operation in the town after successfully concluding the first phase of the battle."
The Syrian army has made more gains in its fight against foreign-backed militants in the strategic city of al-Qusayr, a former militant stronghold in the western province of Homs.
According to Syrian sources, government forces on Sunday managed to retake control of a media center and Ahli Hospital, which was being used by the militants as a field hospital.
The army also cleared al-Hamidiyeh town, in al-Qusayr countryside, of militants fighting against the government. Scores of militants are reported to be killed in the clashes.
Syrian troops entered al-Qusayr from several directions on May 19 after weeks of clashes with militants. The Syrian army has kicked off the second phase of its operation in the town after successfully concluding the first phase of the battle.
On Saturday, Syrian troops managed to retake control of al-Qusayr’s military airport as well as several key districts and buildings, including the headquarters of the Ba’ath Party.
The Syrian army says it is in control of more than 70 percent of the strategic city, which connects the capital city of Damascus to the Mediterranean port of Tartous.
HM/PR/SS