The Syrian army said it was strengthening its defence lines around Damascus and in the south on Saturday, as panic spread in the capital after the rebels said they were drawing close.
Rebels and government forces have reportedly clashed in the key city of Homs as insurgents also approach the Syrian capital.
The unrest is proving a threat to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad, who has ruled Syria for 24 years. If the city falls, it would leave Damascus isolated from the Mediterranean, including a number of Russian military bases. But both countries have since become involved in their own conflicts, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Iran's backing of Hezbollah against Israel.
Hst Bashar Al-Assad Assad Regime Homs Hama Damascus
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