DHAKA: Syrian rebels, including jihadists, have taken control of the historic Christian town of Maalula, north of Damascus.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights watchdog and a resident said on Sunday, reports The Straits Times.

‘Overnight, Syrian regime troops moved into the village, but rebel forces sent reinforcements and were able to take control of the entire town,’ Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told media.

He said the jihadist Al-Nusra Front was among the forces that had taken control of the town.

A Maalula resident, reached by phone, also confirmed that regime forces had withdrawn from the area and rebel forces were now in control.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the resident said the situation on the ground was quiet.

‘The rebels are inside Maalula, all of Maalula. The government troops have pulled out of Maalula,’ the resident said.

BDST: 1708 HRS, SEPT 08, 2013
RoR/SRS