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Syrian regime forces have launched a major offensive against rebels in Homs in their latest drive to secure an axis linking Damascus to the Mediterranean. Activists said jets and mortar bombs pounded rebel-held areas of the city, which have been under siege by President Bashar al-Assad’s troops for a year, and soldiers fought battles with rebel fighters in several districts.
“Government forces are trying to storm from all fronts,” an activist using the name Abu Mohammad told the Reuters news agency on Saturday.
There were no immediate details of casualties but a video uploaded by activists showed heavy explosions and clouds of smoke rising from what they said were rebel districts. Loud, concentrated bursts of gunfire could also be heard.
Syrian state media said the army was “achieving great progress” in the Khalidiyah district.
The attack on Homs city comes after gains made by Assad forces in provincial Homs villages and towns close to the Lebanese border. They have been supported by Hezbollah fighters. — Al Jazeera
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