BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian government forces seized a town from rebels near the Lebanese border on Saturday, their latest attempt to cut off opposition fighters’ fluid supply lines from the country, state media and activists said.

The fighting in Zara came as President Bashar Assad marked the 51st anniversary of his ruling Baath party’s ascent to power, vowing to strengthen relations with international allies that have provided his main backing over the past three tumultuous years.