Syrian rebels capture Raqqa governor

Syrian rebels have captured the governor of northern Raqqa province as opposition fighters try to overrun the last remaining pockets of loyalist forces in the provincial capital, activists said today.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the rebels captured Hassan Jalili after clashes near the governor’s mansion in Raqqa city overnight.

The Observatory’s director, Rami Abdul-Rahman, said Mr Jalili is the highest-ranking official to fall into rebel hands since the Syrian crisis began nearly two years ago.

Syrian rebels have pushed government troops out of most of the provincial capital, although the Observatory said clashes are still taking place in several parts of the city.

If the opposition was to seize control of all of Raqqa, it would mark the first time an entire city has fallen into rebel hands.

PA