Syrian forces entered the key rebel bastion of Yabrud on Friday, one of the last opposition-held areas near the border with Lebanon, a military source told Agence France Presse.
"The Syrian army on Friday entered the town of Yabrud north of Damascus from the east, and advanced along the town's main street," the source said.
"The rebels are fleeing towards Rankus village" to the south. "If their flight continues, the capture of the city is only a matter of days."
Earlier, state television reported Syrian army units advancing in the Yabrud area, saying they "now control its eastern approaches and northeastern boundary."
The broadcaster said the assault had caused a "breakdown in the ranks of terrorist groups," the government term for rebels battling President Bashar Assad.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Hizbullah was spearheading the fight to dislodge insurgents from Yabrud.
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/122636-syrian-army-hizbullah-enter-rebel-bastion-of-yabrud