L.A. Times: On eve of peace talks, Syrian forces make fresh gains against rebels
Syrian army troops have overrun rebel strongholds in the mountains of western Latakia province, according to government and opposition accounts on Sunday, marking the latest government gains before peace talks slated to begin this week in Geneva.
Forces loyal to President Bashar Assad swept through the town of Rabiaa and nearby villages close to the Turkish border, according to the official Syrian media and a pro-opposition monitoring group.
The army advanced “after violent clashes against Islamic battalions” including Jabat al Nusrah, the official Al Qaeda franchise in Syria, reported the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition monitor based in England. Syrian and Russian war planes backed the thrust, the observatory said.
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More News On Syrian Military Forces Seizing The Last Rebel Stronghold In Latakia Province
Syria regime advances in northwest ahead of peace talks -- AFP
Syria conflict: Major rebel town 'seized' in boost for Assad -- BBC
Russian-backed Syrian army advances imperil peace talks -- CBS/AP
Syrian government troops retake Rabia, last rebel stronghold in Latakia -- CNN
Government forces recapture key Syrian rebel town -- UPI
Syria government forces recapture key town ahead of scheduled peace talks -- Al Jazeera
Syrian government troops retake last rebel stronghold in Latakia -- SBS
