DAMASCUS:
Fighting continues between Syrian rebels and government forces for control of Homs, while the rebels advance towards the capital Damascus.
According to the report of the news agency Reuters, the rebel attacks are aimed at ending the 24-year rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the advance continues due to the failures of the government forces.
According to the report, after the capture of Aleppo by the rebels a week ago, the government forces’ control of the main cities has weakened and the rebels are in these places. Achieving success, which was believed to be their end.
The Assad family’s five-decade long rule is under serious threat after the forces’ failure as rebels advance towards the strategic cities of Homs and Damascus.
Homs civilian, military and rebel sources said the rebels had breached the defenses of government forces from the north and west of the city.
The rebel commander said they had captured an army camp and a village near the city.
Syrian state TV reported that the rebels had not attacked Homs, but said they were on the outskirts of the city while the army attacked them with drones and other means.
Rebels say they have gained control of almost the entire southwestern region in the past 24 hours and are just 30 kilometers from the capital Damascus, while government forces have been defeated.
On the other hand, there were demonstrations in many areas in Damascus and they also broke the statue of President Bashar al-Assad and his father former president Hafez al-Assad, while no attempt was made by the police or the army to stop them.
