BEIRUT - Syrian insurgents including fighters from Nusra Front, a wing of al-Qaida, seized a key city and other areas of Syria's southwestern Deraa province on Sunday after fierce battles, fighters in the area told Reuters.
A source close to government forces confirmed the advance and said the army had pulled out of Nawa city.
The capture of Nawa and surrounding areas will help the insurgents consolidate control of territory stretching to near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
The insurgents also seized the surrounding areas of Sheikh al-Maskin, Tal Hauran and a military headquarters known as the 122 Brigade in the major offensive, the sources said.