BEIRUT: Syrian forces backed by fighters from Hezbollah entered the rebel bastion of Yabroud near the Lebanese border Friday, Syrian army and Hezbollah sources said, triggering fierce street-to-street fighting.
“The Syrian army Friday entered the town of Yabroud north of Damascus from the east, and advanced along the town's main street,” an army source said.
“The rebels are fleeing toward Rankus village” to the south. “If their flight continues, the capture of the city is only a matter of days.”
State television confirmed the army entered the city: “Syrian army units have advanced in the Yabroud area and now control its eastern approaches and northeastern boundary.”