He was referring to the rebel stronghold in the east of the country.
Times, Sunday Times
Volunteers said most people seemed to have left the former rebel stronghold.
The Sun
Both sides blamed each other for the shellings in the main rebel stronghold.
The Sun
Our host said he was looking for a car to take us to the nearest rebel stronghold, about seven miles away.
Times, Sunday Times
You've entered the land of the nine glens, a rebel stronghold so wild and so isolated, it was never subdued.
Times, Sunday Times