A militant runs for cover in the city of Homs, where Syrian Army forces are carrying on with clearing operations. (File photo)<\/p>\n
Fighting rages on in Syria between foreign-backed militants and government forces as the army continues clearing operations near the western city of Homs.\n<\/p>\n
The latest clashes occurred in the town of Abel, where Syrian soldiers confronted armed men who attempted to infiltrate the town.\n<\/p>\n
The militants were reportedly killed in the raid.\n<\/p>\n
The Syrian government last month seized the town, which lies between Homs and al-Qusayr, a strategic town and militant stronghold near the Lebanese border.\n<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, an explosion rocked the northwestern city of Lattakia at dawn, ripping through a number of shops in a gold market.\n<\/p>\n
The Syria crisis began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.\n<\/p>\n
The Syrian government says that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.\n<\/p>\n
MRS\/AS
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