Crucial rebel-held Syrian town of Qusair falls to Assad's forces

The key Syrian town of Qusair, near the Lebanon border, has fallen to Assad forces with the help of Hezbollah forces after a three-week siege.

Rebel groups released a statement early on Wednesday confirming that they had pulled out of the strategic town in the early hours.

According to the Guardian, rebel fighters are believed to have taken refuge in hamlets near Syria's third city, Homs, around 30 kilometers to the north.

Rebels in the town said they had no option but to flee in face of this huge arsenal and lack of supplies and the blatant intervention of Hezbollah.

The statement said dozens of fighters stayed behind and ensured the withdrawal of their comrades along with the civilians.

According to the report, Qusair had been heavily bombed by artillery and shells dropped by the Syrian air force. Hezbollah has led the attack.

In recent days Hezbollah had deployed hundreds of its elite forces to Qusair, a sign that the battle was drawing to a close despite resistance from rebels who had proved tougher than expected.

The defence of the town was primarily led by homegrown fighters, among them defectors.

According to the report, Qusair had been hailed as a key strategic route for both sides. It is located roughly halfway between Damascus and Homs, and is situated on a crucial supply line for the regime.