US-backed Syrian Free Army takes control of Homs' Palmyra district from regime forces

HOMS, Syria

Forces of the US-backed Syrian Free Army have taken control of Palmyra in the eastern countryside of the Syrian province of Homs after clashes with forces of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

The Syrian Free Army, which operates in the Al-Tanf region at the crossroads of Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, has made significant advances against regime forces in the eastern countryside of Homs, local sources said Saturday.

After clashes with regime forces, the opposition group took control of the town of Sukne between Homs and Deir ez-Zor, the village of Karyetin, and the strategically located Mount Gurab around the road between Damascus and Homs.

The opposition group has also taken control of the town of Al-Sukhnah between Homs and Deir ez-Zor, the village of Al-Qaryatayn, and the strategically important Jabal al-Ghurab located around the Palmyra-Damascus road.

Developments in Syria

Renewed clashes between Syrian regime forces and anti-regime groups broke out on Nov. 27 in rural areas west of Aleppo, a key city, ushering in advances against regime forces.

By Nov. 30, opposition forces had taken control of most of Aleppo’s city center and established dominance across the Idlib province.

On Dec. 1, the opposition Syrian National Army launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terror group in the Tel Rifaat district of Aleppo's countryside, liberating the area from terrorist elements.

Anti-regime forces captured Hama on Thursday and continued their advance on Friday, seizing the Rastan and Talbiseh districts in the Homs province.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel in Istanbul