Syrian rebels claim to reach key city of Homs, extending rapid offensive against Assad

BEIRUT/AMMAN/DUBAI –

Syrian rebel forces said their lightning advance reached the central city of Homs, which could position the insurgents to topple another town strategic to President Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power.

“Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of the city of Homs and are now on its walls,” the Syrian faction leading the sweeping assault said on Telegram on Friday.

The Islamist group, a former al-Qaida affiliate now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), made a last call on forces loyal to Assad’s government in Homs to defect.