Syrian activist warns against bloodbath

A Syrian human rights activist has warned of a bloodbath similar to that of the ‘massacre’ in 'Qusayr', unless rebel forces in Latakia are given arms to defend themselves. Mo'taz Shaklab said pro-government forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have captured two villages in the mountainous area.  He said Free Syrian Army, FSA, opposition fighters are alone with very little fire power, as warplanes drop explosive barrel bombs onto their strongholds. A representative of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the main Opposition group, Mustafa al-Sakhta warned against neglecting the call for arms by the Rebels of the Latakia Mountains. Sakhta said most of the arms in the Latakia frontline had been distributed by the FSA, adding, ''We were born in this coastal land we know more than you, we need to arm the rebels.'' The military commander of Syria's main Western-backed opposition group visited rebels in the coastal province six days ago, which is Assad’s ancestral homeland, following recent advances by opposition forces. Sakhta criticised the performance of the coalition, saying whilst the group were interested in smaller areas government forces pounded Homs and other big cities with heavy artillery. He said every day warplanes conduct 17 air raids. In recent months, there have been a rising number of clashes between al-Qaida-linked factions and more moderate opposition brigades. The infighting has undermined the opposition's overall effort to topple the Assad regime.