Syrian troops capture key border town from rebels

Qara, near the Lebanese border, lies on a key route to Damascus and along a major north-south highway

19 November 2013, 1:56 pm

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DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria’s state TV is reporting that troops have captured a town near the Lebanon border, days after launching a wide offensive to regain the mountainous region.

There is no immediate confirmation of the reported capture of Qara from rebels or pro-rebel activists.

TV reported Tuesday that troops are now “in full control of Qara after wiping out all terrorists units in it.” Syria refers to opposition fighters are terrorists.

Qara sits on a key supply route from Lebanon to opposition forces around Damascus, as well as on the main north-south highway that links the capital to government strongholds along the Mediterranean coast.