Free Syrian army rebels destroyed armoured vehicle of the Syrian army in the city of Homs 2401121.

Syrian army defectors were located near the mountain resort town of Zabadani, Syria, near the Lebanese border, on Friday Jan. 20, 2012.

President Bashar Assad's forces attacked Zabadani, some 17 miles (27 kilometers) west of the capital, for six days, sparking fierce fighting that involved heavy bombardments and clashes with army defectors.

On Wednesday, government tanks and armored vehicles pulled back, leaving the opposition in control of the town. Buoyed by the opposition's control of a town near the Syrian capital, thousands of people held anti-government protests Friday, chanting for the downfall of the regime. At least eight people were killed by security forces across the country, activists said.

Residents say Homs has been left in ruins with chaos created by what they call the “clear” killing in the country. Since its observation mission began last month, the Arab League says there have been nearly 140 deaths on both sides.

Syria has rejected the League’s plan for Assad to quit. A government official described the proposal as “flagrant interference” in the country’s internal affairs.