Syrian Army Makes Advances in Homs

Launched offensive yesterday

Syrian government forces have taken most of the Khalidiya neighbourhood in the central city of Homs, one of the few remaining districts there under rebel control, activists and media say.

The army had launched an offensive in the area on Saturday.

Rebels had held Khalidiya for more than a year in a city seen as a symbol for the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

The capture reflects a series of recent gains by loyalist forces.

The UN says more than 100,000 people have been killed in the 28-month conflict in Syria, with a further 1.7 million Syrians forced to seek shelter in neighbouring countries.