Syrian rebels give up town near Damascus to government

The Syrian government took control of a town northeast of Damascus on Thursday after rebels evacuated to north Syria, the latest in a string of handovers by rebels.

Residents in Dumayr welcomed security forces in a triumphant show for the cameras of the state-affiliated alIkhbariya TV station.

There have been several handovers by rebels to the government in the capital region following a punishing offensive against the rebellious eastern Ghouta region earlier this year.