Syria militants flee Qalamoun region toward Lebanon border
Iran Press TV
Thu Mar 20, 2014 1:21PM GMT
Foreign-backed Takfiri militants in western Syria are feeling toward the Lebanese border as Syrian troops comb through the strategic Qalamun region.
Syrian government forces are clearing the mountainous region, north of Damascus, after the army retook control of the town of Yabrud.
The town of Yabrud was the last major militant stronghold in the region.
Syrian troops have been on the offensive over the past months there, aiming to cut militant lines across the border.
Meanwhile, dozens of wounded militants have crossed into Lebanon, seeking medical aid.
Hospital sources said eight of them either arrived dead or died after arrival.
The Syrian army has been making more gains in its three-year-long battle against foreign-backed militants.
On Wednesday, the Syrian army took full control of the town of Ras al-Ain, also in Qalamoun region. The town was under control of foreign-backed militants for months.
Syria has been witnessing deadly violence since March 2011. Some sources say around 140,000 people have been killed and millions displaced due to the foreign-backed militancy.
The Western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- are reportedly supporting the militants operating inside Syria.
MRS/SS
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