Syrian army retakes rebel city

Syrian troops have regained control of a restive north western city where residents say groups of police and soldiers joined the revolt against the regime.

An AP reporter said the army is in full control of Jisr al-Shughour.

Syria’s state news agency said army units entered the town after dismantling explosives planted on roads and bridges. The report said there were heavy clashes as troops moved in.

A resident who fled the nearly empty town today just ahead of the fighting agreed that the town was fully under military control.

The Local Co-ordination Committees, which documents Syrian anti-government protests, said Jisr al-Shughour was attacked from the south and east by troops in about 200 vehicles, including tanks.

It said blasts were heard as helicopters clattered overhead.