Syrian forces re-take town in Qalamoun region | Reuters

“Assad’s forces have made advances in recent months and are trying to secure the highway linking Damascus to the coastal heartland of his Alawite minority sect, but faced a setback last week when they lost the town of Deir Attiya to al Qaeda-linked fighters. … Casualties on both sides have been heavy, with Hezbollah losing at least 25 fighters in eastern Ghouta over the last week according to security sources in Lebanon. Those killed included the nephew of a minister in Lebanon’s caretaker government.” Full story here.

Also see: Syria fighting kills 19 Hezbollah fighters in 10 days | The Daily Star

“Besides Qalamoun, Hezbollah fighters are assisting troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad in other areas across Syria, including the suburbs of Damascus, where fierce battles have been taking place over the past days.”