It's located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the Syrian capital.

CNN: Syrian leader makes rare public appearance

It's located about 10 kilometers (six miles) south of the Syrian capital.

CNN: Syrian leader makes rare public appearance

Syrian troops fired from helicopter gunships on south-western neighbourhoods on Friday morning, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told the AFP news agency.

BBC: Middle East

In a letter to South African President Jacob Zuma released by Syrian state media on Wednesday, he said Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa should push for a political solution to the crisis.

BBC: Russia anger at Syrian Arab League opposition seat

The Iraqis then organized a convoy to transport the 64 Syrians to another border crossing that remains under Syrian government control hundreds of miles to the south.

WSJ: Islamists Try to Firm Grip on Syria Regions

Earlier, Rami Abdel Rahman, of UK-based activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said troops were advancing from the south and Hezbollah fighters were "playing a central role".

BBC: Syrian army storms rebel town of Qusair

If Israel wants to end its occupation of south Lebanon, say the Lebanese, it must either risk a unilateral withdrawal without preconditions, or offer the Syrian government inducements to accept a negotiated peace.

ECONOMIST: An occupation Israel would love to end