Syrian army opens access to town formerly surrounded by rebels Syria's military have warned residents of Qusayr, near Homs, to leave ahead of an imminent offensive. Ghassaneyah, a small town of 8,000 nearby, has been surrounded by rebel fighters for more than 8 months. The only access for people and supplies was via the lake. In recent days, the Syrian government has won back control of the territory surrounding Ghassaneyah, re-opening access by road. Images and soundbites.