Syria army takes control of Ras al-Ayn, Ras al-Maara near Damascus

Wed Mar 19, 2014 09:09:16

Syrian army troops continue to make advances against foreign-backed militants by capturing two areas near the capital Damascus, Al-Alam reports.

Soldiers of the Syrian army managed to liberate the villages of Ras al-Ayn and Ras al-Maara near the strategic town of Yabroud in the Qalamoun region on Tuesday.

Takfiri militants fled to villages and towns near Yabroud after they lost their major bastion to the Syrian troops.

The army also captured a workshop used for making improvised explosive devices (IED) during its progress in the region.

The Syrian troops also destroyed several tunnels used by the militants to supply weapons to anti-government insurgents in the village of Jobar near Damascus.

The Syrian army plans to continue its advancements and gain control of four towns to the west and southwest of Yabroud.

Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since 2011. Some sources say around 130,000 people have been killed and millions displaced due to the violence fueled by Western-backed militants.

According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.

BA/BA

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