Syrian rebels capture troops

ARMED Syrian rebels captured dozens of members of the security forces by seizing two military checkpoints yesterday, the opposition said, even as the Arab League chief reported cautious progress in a peace-monitoring mission.

The opposition said army deserters also clashed with security forces at a third check-point, killing and wounding a number of troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

More than 5,000 people have been killed in nearly 10 months of violence in Syria, according to the UN.