Syrian rebels intensify attacks

Published March 5th, 2012 - 09:31 GMT

Intense fighting between government forces and insurgents erupted in last night in the southern town of Deraa.

Intense fighting between government forces and insurgents erupted in last night in the southern town of Deraa. This came after coordinated rebel attacks on roadblocks manned by the army. "The Free Syrian Army has simultaneously attacked several checkpoints and fortified positions," said a dissident named Maher Abdelhaq.

The opposition says the deserters have intensified their raids in recent days in a bid to alleviate the suffering of the inhabitants of Homs, the symbol of protest.

According to the free Syrian army its operatives launched an attack last night on the branch of Air Intelligence in the town of Harsta in Damascus countryside.

On his part, the commander of the free army Riad Al-Assaad told Al Arabia: "The regime did not control any area of Homs and the free army is present in all areas," stressing that the withdrawal of the free army from nearby Rastan town was "tactic" in order to protect civilians and not to give a pretext for the regime for further massacres. .

Meanwhile, the Syrian army, according to the "Free Syrian army", on Sunday issued an ultimatum to withdraw within one day from the town of Idlib. Otherwise, the regime forces threaten to storm the city with armored units and heavy artillery. The government army had four battalions deployed at the entrances of the city.

Activist reported Monday morning on heavy shelling by government troops at areas close to Idlib coupled with clashes near Khan Sheikhoun.