Syrians govt.forces set to retake key Homs rebel area

DAMASCUS, July 28, 2013 (AFP) - Government forces bolstered by Lebanese Shiite militiamen were preparing on Sunday to retake the largest rebel-held district of Syria's third city Homs, a watchdog and state media said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said troops now controlled most of Khaldiyeh and were battling insurgents on its outskirts after a month-long offensive.

The complete fall of Homs, dubbed by rebels “the capital of the revolution” against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, would be a major government victory as it straddles a key route linking Damascus to the coast.

State television said the army now controlled most of

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said troops now controlled most of Khaldiyeh

the district and broadcast footage of the destruction, including rubble-strewn streets and bodies it reported were of fighters. An officer told the channel: “Only the northern sector is left (con- trolled by rebels) and that will be liberated within 24 hours.”

A view of a building damaged by what activists said was an air attack at Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo (REUTERS)