Heavy clashes between the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah and Syrian rebels have been taking place in a Damascus district, Ghouta, since Monday, activists said.
Recent reports of clashes in Ghouta emerged as opposition fighters battled President Bashar al-Assad’s forces aided by Hezbollah for control of the key rebel stronghold of Qusayr, a Syrian town near the Lebanese border.
The Shiite groups’ involvement in the Syrian civil war has stirred international condemnation with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stating that he was “deeply concerned” by Hezbollah’s role.
Activists said that thousands of Hezbollah fighters were training in an air force intelligence center in Al-Masraf region near Damascus International Airport, adding that the Lebanese group has taken over nine towns in the Al-Murj area neighboring Ghouta.
In more new, activists said that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons on Monday in various areas, including Jawbar, Al-Baharayia.
The French foreign minister said on Monday that there were “mounting suspicisions” that the Assad regime was using chemical weapons.
However, Laurent Fabius added that “very detailed verification” was necessary.
Also Read
-
Hague: EU ends embargo on Syrian opposition, keeps sanctions on regime
British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the European Union has decided to lift the arms embargo on the Syrian opposition while maintaining all ... Middle East -
McCain becomes highest ranking U.S. official to visit rebels in Syria
Republican Senator John McCain became on Monday the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Syria and meet with rebels, who have been engaged in a ... Middle East -
‘Mounting suspicions’ chemical weapons used in Syria, French FM says
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Monday said there were “mounting suspicions” that chemical weapons were being used in Syria. ... Middle East
