Rebels claim to have secured base for anti- army operations

Syrian insurgents, who have claimed control of a border town, have added to the pressure on the Assad regime, saying it is to become a hub of armed resistance. After five days of intensive battles, dozens of government tanks, along with armoured vehicles and infantry, pulled back from the town of Zabadani following what was said to be a ceasefire agreement. But the insurgents heralded the move as an unprecedented victory, claiming Zabadani to be the “first free town in Syria” and a haven in which to strengthen their troops.