Syrian rebel forces have advanced to within 5 kilometers of Damascus after capturing the city of Sanamayn, according to opposition commander Hassan Abdul Ghany. The rebels announced they have begun implementing the final phase of encircling the capital. Advancing in rural Damascus, they are now around 10 kilometers from the city center. Sanamayn is located 50 kilometers north of Daraa, which rebel forces seized the previous night. The Syrian defense ministry denies that the army has retreated from positions near the capital.
