Armed opposition groups have pushed towards Hama - a long-time pro-government stronghold in central Syria after three-days of non-stop clashes with military forces (these battles happened on the citys eastern edge)
The rebel advance is part of a wider push that already brought success when fighters took control of Aleppo; however the Syrian governments media denies any breach into Hama itself even though they confirm heavy fighting near its borders.
Hama stands out as one of the few urban centers that stayed under President Bashar Assadʼs complete control since early-2011‚ when the first anti-government protests started: its fall would mark a serious hit to the current leadershipʼs position in the region
The city remains strategically important because of its central location and historical significance - losing it could change the whole balance of power in this long-running middle-eastern conflict