Syria army recaptures rebel bastion Yabrud

Syria's army and Lebanon's Hezbollah seized full control of rebel bastion Yabrud today, dealing the opposition a symbolic and strategic blow in the Qalamoun region along the Lebanese border.
An AFP reporter entered the town after the army declared it had captured the opposition stronghold north of the capital, a day after the third anniversary of the outbreak of Syria's conflict.
Syrian soldiers sat in the streets after seizing the town in fierce clashes with the support of battle-hardened fighters from Lebanon's Shiite militant group Hezbollah and pro-regime militiamen.
"It was a very difficult battle, possibly the most difficult we have faced," a soldier who identified himself as Abu Mohammed told AFP in Yabrud's central square between puffs from a traditional water-pipe.

Earlier, the army announced it had "returned security and stability" to the town and its surroundings.
"This new success... Is an important step towards securing the border area with Lebanon, and cutting off the roads and tightening the noose around the remaining terrorist cells in Damascus province," the military added.

While scores of soldiers and fighters wearing different kinds of uniforms were seen in Yabrud, not one civilian could be spotted anywhere.
Graffiti in the colours of the pro-revolt flag still adorned the heavily damaged town's walls, while a fighter jet could be heard overhead.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based group relying on a network of contacts inside Syria, said Hezbollah had led the operation and that fighting was ongoing on the outskirts of the town.

Five Hezbollah fighters were killed today in the area, said the group.
The Observatory and sources across the border in Lebanon, meanwhile, reported multiple air raids, including with explosive-packed barrel bombs, on the area between Yabrud and the Lebanese town of Arsal.
The NGO said at least six people were killed in raids on the area, among them two children.
Syrian state television said the army was targeting "groups of terrorists" fleeing Yabrud in the direction of Arsal.
The fall of Yabrud comes after months of Syrian army operations in the Qalamoun region. Late last year, the army captured a string of nearby towns before turning its sights on Yabrud.