Syrian Army Launches Counteroffensive Against Rebels

Until last week the war in Syria had been mostly dormant for several years, but analysts said violence was bound to flare up (Credit: AFP)

Syrian government forces launched a counterattack against Islamist-led rebels around the key city of Hama on Wednesday after suffering a string of staggering losses, a war monitor said.

Hama is strategically located in central Syria and for the army, it is key to safeguarding the capital and seat of power Damascus.