Heavy fighting and casualties in the dozens are reported as Syrian troops attempt to retake the rebel-held town of Qusair, near the border with Lebanon.  After the initial artillery, a ground assault is expected.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights is reporting that Lebanese Hezbollah militants are coordinating the Government troops against the rebels.  The proximity of Qusair to the border and the sea makes it a valuable stronghold for forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad.

Rami Khouri of the American University of Beirut says Assad wants it back before an International Conference on ending the Syrian Civil War that is set for June.

“It is the heartland of the Alawite community, it has been used as a conduit for supplies, men and guns going in to Syria, and it is close to Lebanon,” said Khouri, “Assad wants to make sure he is in the strongest position possible if this conference takes place.”

It’s the latest in a string of setbacks for the rebels.  Syrian troops began their assault on the town early Sunday, after taking back villages and countryside surrounding it.  At least 50 people were dead and some 450 are wounded, and the casualties appear to be fighters and civilians.