TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian army soldiers continue their battle against the foreign-backed militants around the Christian town of Ma値oula, near the capital Damascus, a new report said."The army is continuing its mission in Ma値oula. There are still some terrorist pockets in the North of the town, in the al-Safir hotel and its surroundings, as well as in the hills surrounding the town," AFP quoted a security official as saying on Saturday.
The official also said the government forces made some progress, adding the fighting in Ma値oula has been hard as the army did not want to bomb the town.
The historic town, which is on a UNESCO list of world heritage sites, is home to ancient churches. It is located under a large cliff, whose summit is under the control of the militants, mostly from the Al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front, making it difficult for the government forces to advance.
A large number of the town痴 5,000 residents have fled their homes since the militants attacked Ma'loula on September 4.
Ma'loula is of strategic importance to the foreign-backed militants who have been trying to gain control of key areas around Damascus.
Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since March 2011. According to reports, the western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey -- are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.
By Fars News Agency
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