Syria: Syrian forces wrest a border town from rebels
Syrian government forces seized a town from rebels near the Lebanese border on Saturday, their latest attempt to cut off opposition fighters’ fluid supply lines from the country, state media and activists said.
The fighting in Zara came as President Bashar Assad marked the 51st anniversary of his ruling Baath party’s ascent to power, vowing to strengthen relations with international allies that have provided his main backing over the past three tumultuous years.
‘‘The (Baath) leadership’s efforts are concentrated on strengthening the alliance with friendly countries such as Russia, Iran and China,’’ state TV quoted Assad as telling a group of local Baath party leaders from the suburbs of Damascus.