The Syrian army had turned soft during the east's long peace.
He was the deputy chief of staff in the Syrian army until 2002.
He accordingly trusted no one from the Syrian army or government.
Hussein advanced very deep in the back ranks of the Syrian army.
At least 20 people were killed by the Syrian army by the evening.
In their desperation, they called on the outside world to intervene and save them from the Syrian army.
In 1990, for a short time, the factory and the grounds were occupied by the Syrian army.
Additionally the Syrian army did not withdraw its heavy weapons.
The Syrian army specifically controlled the town's hospital, town hall and cemetery.
He said many members of the Syrian army had defected to the rebels' side.