Syrian rebels on Saturday have taken full control of the northwestern town of Jisr al-Shughour, less than a month after seizing control of Idlib, the provincial capital there.
According to reports from activists, the command of Syrian army and security units withdrew towards Latakia province in the early morning after fighters advanced in the neighbourhoods of the city.
They said that some soldiers are still besieged in their bases and negotiating for their surrendering.
The conservative Islamic factions, including the al-Qaida-affiliated Nusra Front have taken control of government checkpoints and nearby military facilities.
Rebels in a statement posted online late Wednesday announced the start of the offensive, which they call "Battle of Victory." They appealed to residents to stay inside "until God grants us and you victory and liberation," AP reported.
On Thursday, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Thursday the rebels have taken five checkpoints since the offensive began, including two near Jisr al-Shugour, in fighting that has killed at least eight rebels and an unknown number of government troops.
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