Syrian opposition forces captured the city of Hama on Thursday, a major victory in a week-old lightning advance across northern Syria and a devastating new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.After years locked behind frozen frontlines, opposition forces have burst forth to mount the swiftest battlefield advance by either side since a rebellion against al-Assad descended into civil war 13 years ago. The capture of Hama gives them control of a strategic central city they never managed to seize before.The Syrian army said it was redeploying outside the city “to preserve civilian lives and prevent urban combat” after what it called intense clashes.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Opposition fighters were seen on television parading through Hama into the evening to the sound of celebratory gunfire. Other footage showed detainees pouring out of the city prison after rebels freed them.Opposition forces said