BEIRUT – Syrian rebels have seized an ancient town near the Jordan border that is a key government stronghold, opposition activists and rebels say.
There was no immediate comment from the Government on the fall of Busra Sham, a town in southern Syria classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic citadel, ruins and well-preserved Roman theatre.
Busra Sham had been in the hands of President Bashar Assad’s troops throughout the four-year-old conflict and was considered to be a stronghold of pro-government forces in the southern province of Daraa.
The town’s capture is a strategic gain because of its geographical location as well. Busra Sham is perched on highlands 10 kilometres from the Jordan border, overlooking the plains that spread out from the southern outskirts of Damascus.
“Today is a happy day, Busra Sham has been completely liberated,” said Ahmad Masalma, an opposition activist in Daraa. He said some 10,000 rebels from various groups took part in the attack on the town, which began on Saturday from three sides and ended at dawn Wednesday. They included members of al-Qaida’s branch in Syria, the Nusra Front.
