Over the past month, rebel forces in Syria have enjoyed tactical successes which analysts say demonstrate their growing ability to challenge the government’s military dominance.
Defiant slogans with phrases such as “take off your shoes as Yabrood’s sand is (made up of) our blood” have been daubed on walls across Yabrood
The Russians – who have been supportive of the Syrian government – have publicly admitted that a rebel victory is possible in Syria, and are even discussing emergency evacuation plans for their nationals.
In some areas, central government police and military forces have withdrawn while activists say that local civil and military councils have been set up instead.
“Fadi”, a local resident of the city of Yabrood, a suburb 80km (49.7miles) north of the capital Damascus, gives a snapshot of what life is like for ordinary people.
Food supplies
I personally consider Yabrood to be an area free of government control. We have not seen government forces inside the city for almost a year now.
Fuel stations are regularly forced to put up signs stating that they have run out.
“Bashar al-Assad’s forces attempted to enter the city six months ago but the Free Syrian Army (FSA) held them back on the same day.
Government forces have since retreated to the edges of Yabrood and their efforts have been reduced to the regular air strikes they carry out once in a while. They seem to have given up. Perhaps we are not as strategic as other areas.
We have not suffered a lot compared to other cities in Syria. Total casualties here, over the past 18 months, are only around 40-50 people.
The city is currently run by two councils. One is military and is mainly concerned with holding back the regime’s forces. The other is a civilian one and is responsible for securing health care and food supplies for residents.
Categories: Arab World, Asia, Syria