Syrian regime forces seized renowned Crusader castle Krak des Chevaliers on Thursday, state television said, after deadly fighting with rebels in the area near the border with Lebanon.

"The Syrian Arab Army raises the flag of the nation over the Krak des Chevaliers castle in Homs province, after crushing the terrorists who were holed up there," the television said.

A private Lebanese channel that supports President Bashar al-Assad's regime showed pro-government forces walk into the magnificent fort's ancient tower, then raise the Syrian flag.