The Syrian army has launched an offensive in the strategic Qalamoun region to retake the town of Yabrud from al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Security sources say the army is advancing around the town and is expected to take control of it soon.
Yabrud has been under the control of militants since 2011.
It is the last major town in the Qalamoun region, which the army is fighting to retake.
The town is located near the Lebanese border and explosives used in bombings in Lebanon are reportedly smuggled into the country from there.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/02/20/351560/syrian-army-launches-op-to-retake-town/