Despite Infighting, Syrian Opposition Makes Big Battlefield Gains
Free Syrian Army fighters cheer after saying they seized the al-Yadoudeh government checkpoint in al-Yadoudeh area in Deraa March 24, 2013. Picture taken March 24, 2013. REUTERS/Basel al-Ghazawi/Shaam News Network/Handout (SYRIA – Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS – RTXXYCZ
Washington Post columnist David Ignatius tells anchor Marco Werman that the tide of battle in Syria has been turning decisively in recent weeks in favor of the rebel fighters.
“This week we’ve had some major actions, attacks on the airport, shooting down of a plane landing,” Ignatius says. “I was just told a few minutes ago of closure of some of the regime’s access points to the south, and to the key city of Deraa. So I think now we’re entering the decisive phase of this military conflict, which is the battle for Damascus itself.”