Syrian rebels have taken control of the historic Christian town of Maalula, north of Damascus, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights watchdog and residents said on Sunday.
“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 AFP.
A resident of the town, reached by phone, also confirmed that regime forces had withdrawn from the area and rebel forces were in control of Maalula.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the resident said the situation on the ground was now quiet.
“The rebels are inside Maalula, all of Maalula. The government troops have pulled out of Maalula,” the resident said.
Abdel Rahman said “fierce fighting broke out between regime forces and rebel fighters overnight, and the soldiers withdrew to the outskirts of the town.”
Militants of the jihadist group Al-Nusra Front had entered the town, he said.
Maalula is considered a symbol of the Christian presence in Syria, and many of its inhabitants speak Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ that only small, scattered communities around the world still use.
Overnight battles left at least 17 rebels dead and more than 100 wounded, the Observatory said, adding that dozens of regime forces and pro-militia members were also killed or wounded in the fighting.

Syrian opposition fighters ‘seize’ town north of Damascus

Syrian army forces are seen in the Christian town of Maalula on September 7, 2013. (AFP)
Sunday 08 September 2013
Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:41 - GMT 06:41
DAY | WEEK |
-
4035 Views Coronavirus: Dubai changes travel protocols for inbound passengers from Jan. 31
-
3185 Views After Biden freezes F-35 sale to UAE, Otaiba: We expected a review under new US admin
-
1439 Views Updated rules: Dubai ramps up coronavirus restrictions amid rising cases in UAE
-
1373 Views COVID-19 crisis ‘requires fundamental rethink’ in how world functions: PIF Governor
-
1256 Views Saudi Arabia will be ‘another Germany’ in renewable energy sector: Prince Abdulaziz
-
1137 Views Iran will ‘demolish’ Tel Aviv, Haifa if attacked by Israel, warns top IRGC commander
-
24725 Views Coronavirus: Dubai temporarily postpones Pfizer vaccine campaign amid global shortage
-
20027 Views Saudi Arabia’s PIF to invest 3 trillion riyals over next 10 years: Crown Prince
-
18545 Views Loud explosion heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh
-
10976 Views Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issues several new royal decrees
-
10835 Views Full moon to align directly above Kaaba in Mecca on Jan. 28
-
8830 Views Coronavirus: Dubai restaurants offer discounts for vaccinated diners
SHOW MORE