Rebels Launch Offensive in Latakia Against Alawites

In a stunning move, rebel forces opposed to dictator Bashar al-Assad have launched an offensive in the Alawite city of Latakia, along the Mediterranean coast. The city has been relatively untouched by the war and is meant as a major slap in the face to the Alawite dictator.

The rebels "have a habit of escalating without preparing as soon as they feel they have enough weapons. But they are not ready... and the regime's response will be crazy."

Nassar said the rebels have taken prisoner an Alawite cleric, Badr Ghazal, from the village of Baruda after he issued a religious decree urging rebel forces "stamped out completely."