Syrian towns retaken from ISIL

A pro-rebel Syrian news agency (SMART) reported the southern town of Tasil has been retaken by rebel groups linked to the Free Syrian Army.

The town had been seized by the ISIL-linked Yarmouk Martyrs’ Brigade.

Videos posted on line purported to show armed rebel groups driving through the town being welcomed by residents.

Qaryatain residents return

Further north, the town of Qarytain was taken from ISIL fighters earlier this month by Syrian government forces.

Many buildings in the town centre were completely destroyed, with their top floors flattened and walls pock-marked by gunfire.

Although there is still an ISIL presence in the mountainous region about a dozen kilometers away, many displaced residents have returned after government troops liberated Qaryatain and cleared explosives and mines from the town center.

One senior resident said despite the difficulties, the people of Qaryatain will carry on with their lives, and resolutely said they will pick up weapons to