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FSA secures defection of entire battalion – FSA
24/05/2012
By Suhaib Ayoub
Beirut, Asharq Al-Awsat – Free Syrian Army [FSA] spokesman Colonel Khalid al-Hammoud informed Asharq Al-Awsat that “203 soldiers have defected from the regime, including 3 officers from the al-Qatifa area, which is close al-Qalamoun in the Rif Dimashq Governorate.”
He added “these defections took place after this operation was intensively pursued by FSA officers, convincing the entire battalion to leave the al-Assad army.”
The FSA spokesman revealed that “the battalion was subject to confrontation and bombardment by the Syrian army, with al-Assad regime forces targeting them with mortar strikes, resulting in the deaths of 5 soldiers…others were able to flee – with all of their equipment – by marching through orchards and farms, and they have joined the FSA.”
He added “roles were given to the three officers as well as the soldiers, and they will begin military operations to weaken the Syrian regime’s security apparatus.”
http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=1&id=29740
Arms shipments from outside of Syria have not happened and may not be necessary.
