Harem, a town of some 20,000, miles from the Turkish border has seen heavy fighting for some two weeks. FSA units have almost surrounded the Syrian Army inside an ancient citadel above Harem, but the Army is using helicopter and plane airpower to attack rebel positions below. Also, Shabiha (Assad gangs) allegedly control the central road leading to the citadel. The FSA have tried to mount coordinated attacks using mortars from the mountains and anti-aircraft guns aimed at the citadel. On Oct 30-31 we observed several FSA wounded and at least three killed in the fighting. Meanwhile the town is without electricity or running water.

Translations-
:40-50 FSA capture alleged Shabiha in the fighting. The captured man: “I don’t know anything. I’m from Idlib, I escape from Shabiha. I swear to God I don’t know.”

FSA fighter: “How did you kill Juma, come on!”

1:03-1:31 Qusay, 26, law student joined FSA from Harem- “WE came to Harem from 10 days ago, and we surrounded the Syrian Army, and we attacked them because they are killing the people and arresting them. And now the Syrian Army retreated to positions in the citadel and Tarma (the gate of the citadel). And there are now snipers shooting on the people from the citadel. Also they’re shelling the civilians and killing the people also.