BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Syrian branch of al Qaeda, the Nusra Front, said on Monday it had taken control of a base next to the country's main **rth-south highway. Until **w, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad had managed to repel numerous attacks on Wadi al-Deif, which has been surrounded by insurgents for two years. "Wadi al-Deif base is completely liberated after Assad's forces withdrew from all checkpoints hit by the Mujahideen fighters," a Nusra Front Twitter account said. The highway that runs past the base links Aleppo with Damascus. ...