Assad's UK-born wife, children 'stopped by rebel forces from trying to flee Syria'

Damascus, Jan 31 (ANI): Syrian President Bashar Assad's British-born wife Asma, and children have reportedly been stopped by rebel forces trying to flee the country with the help of the nation's security forces.

Rebel forces claimed that Asma, a graduate of King's College, London, and her children were in a convoy which was also carrying Assad's mother and cousin.

Sources told Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry-Al-Youm that, "a convoy of official vehicles was seen heading to the airport in Damascus."

The convoy was intercepted by brigades of army defectors and, coming under heavy fire, turned back to the city's presidential palace, The Daily Mail reports.

The claims came after Syrian rebels blew up a key gas pipeline as violence against Assad's regime continued to escalate.

Opposition forces reportedly blew up the line near Telkalakh, close to the Lebanese border, causing over 460,000 cubic metres of gas to leak and cutting off supply to Homs city.

The attack is one of several since the Syrian uprising began in March last year, and followed the killing of 61 people yesterday. (ANI)