Explosion in Quasair, Syria. Still from video by Qmediacenter
Pro-Assad forces have seized full control of the strategic town of Qusair near the Lebanese border, with the rebels surrendering their positions.
The town has seen some of the fiercest fighting of the two-year conflict in Syria, with rebels fighting against a combination of Syrian army troops and a large number of Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon for the last two weeks. One Hezbollah fighter told the group’s Al-Manar television channel in Lebanon that it was a “surprise attack” in the early hours that caught the rebels off-guard and gave the group the upper hand.
In a statement, the rebels said of the defeat:
“In face of this huge arsenal and lack supplies and the blatant intervention of Hezbollah… tens of fighters stayed behind and ensured the withdrawal of their comrades along with the civilians.”
Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria has been condemned throughout the international community, with many fearing that they could draw neighbouring countries into the increasingly sectarian conflict. A key rebel leader has already made a statement saying that his men were ready to fight within Lebanon to take the fight to the Iran-backed Shia militant group.
The Red Cross said last week that it was “alarmed” by the humanitarian situation in Qusair with the city under siege by pro-Assad forces and no medical supplies getting through to the inhabitants.
There is also increasing evidence of the use of the chemical agent Sarin by government forces according to French report, with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius stating that his country were considering military options for intervention at this stage.
The conflict in Syria has claimed the lives of more than 80,000 people over the last two years, with more than 1.5 million fleeing the country according to UN estimates.
