Syrian government fighters backed by the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and local paramilitaries attacked the areas around Yabroud, the last major town held by anti-government Syrian rebels near the Syrian-Lebanese border .Tuesday’s assault near Yabroud included helicopter bombardment of the Rima area to the town’s north.
Taking the town would help Syrian President Bashar Assad seal a link between his coastal bastions and Damascus.
Journalists were given a state-led tour of government-held areas around Yabroud on Tuesday including Al-Sahl, a town about 2 km to Yabroud’s north which the army took this week.
Buildings in the town appeared undamaged and electricity was running, but shops were closed and the streets empty except for Syrian soldiers who patrolled with assault rifles, many smiling and flashing V for victory signs.
