video transcript

Rebels celebrate in Syria as they capture an army base near the Iraqi border. The Free Syrian Army says they captured the base after it was under siege for 22 days. Some 44 rebels were killed in the operation. The video, which could not be independently verified by Reuters, comes as rebels appear to gain more ground in the country. Rebels drive through a town in Deir al Zour in celebration. In Aleppo, grim reminders of the cost of war as people search for survivors on devastated streets. It's a place where any automobile can become an ambulance. At a hospital little has been left behind. Activists say army shells hit a building next to the hospital Wednesday killing 15 people. The conflict in the country has already cost some 38,000 lives and there is still no end in sight. Western states, anxious to avoid another costly Middle East war are wary of backing rebels who include Islamist militants. Many have stayed on the sidelines -- although France and Britain formally recognized the opposition coalition this month.