"Calm and security have returned to Rastan after security police backed by army units entered the town and confronted the terrorist groups who have terrified its inhabitants," the agency said.
The town, scene of large protests demanding the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, had been under the control of army defectors and other insurgents in the last few weeks. Government forces, backed by tanks and helicopters, moved on the town of 40,000, which lies 180 km (110 miles) north of Damascus on the main highway to Aleppo, on Tuesday. (*)
Reuters/H-AK
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
