BEIRUT — Syrian government forces were locked in heavy fighting around Hama on Thursday, trying to halt an advance of Islamist-led rebels, a war monitor said.
The fighting around the city follows a rapid offensive by the rebels, who in just days captured large chunks of territory, including the country's second-largest city Aleppo, from President Bashar al-Assad's control.Strategically located in central Syria, Hama is crucial for the army's efforts to protect the capital Damascus.By Wednesday night, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said rebel fighters had 'surrounded Hama from three sides.
Assad ordered a 50-percent raise in career soldiers' pay, state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported, as he seeks to bolster his forces for the counteroffensive.The Observatory said government forces brought 'large military convoys to Hama' and its outskirts.It added that 'regime forces and pro-government fighters led by Russian and Iranian officers were able to repel' an attack northwest of Hama.
Forces Battle To Stop Rebel Advance On Key City
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