Syrian rebels take over air base, missile batteries, near Homs

Battalion commander reportedly gives soldiers choice to go home or join the
rebellion, forces choose the latter

By George Potter The Time of Israel June 10, 2012, 7:22 pm0
http://www.timesofisrael.com/syrian-fighters-conquer-airstrip-submarine-create-rebel-base/

Syrian rebels took control of a Syrian air force base near the city of Homs
Sunday, according to a report in Al-Arabiya.

The fighters gained control of a number of surface-to-air missile batteries,
giving them an extra edge as they battle forces loyal to Syrian President
Bashar Assad.

According to the report, officers and soldiers at the base defected and
joined rebel forces. The base’s battalion commander had asked the soldiers
to choose between joining the rebellion or going home.

The northern region around the city of Homs, a rebel stronghold, has seen
some of the fiercest fighting in the 15-month uprising. Some 38 people were
killed in the area Sunday amid intense shelling Sunday, and opposition
groups reported seeing drones flying over the city.

Rebel groups say the death toll has passed 14,000, Al-Arabiya reported.