Syria forces recapture key areas across the country from rebels

Syrian security forces have recaptured a number of key areas across the country from armed anti-government rebels, Press TVreports.

The forces retook control of most parts of the al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus following heavy clashes with armed gangs. Government forces confiscated ammunition and vehicles, equipped with machineguns from the armed opposition.

The Army is also again in control of the Silqin area in Idlib.

The security forces also managed to recapture the al-Bukamal area near the Iraqi border as well as Bab al-Hawa close to the Turkish border.

Syria has been the scene of violence by armed groups since March 2011. The violence has claimed the lives of hundreds of people, including many security forces.

Damascus blames “outlaws, saboteurs, and armed terrorist groups” for the unrest, asserting that it is being orchestrated from abroad.