Syrian Army Recaptures Towns Occupied By Terror Groups

Описание: The Syrian army has advanced on several fronts against armed militant groups just days after starting a large-scale offensive against rebel-held areas across the country, said the government force through a video statement on Monday.

Mohammed Issa, spokesman for the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces, said through the video that the forces have gained remarkable achievements with the assistance of air strikes, regaining control over 13 villages on Monday in the northern province of Aleppo, the countryside of the coastal city of Latakia and the central province of Hama.

Issa said their offensive reached areas between the provinces of Hama and Idlib, where the army is working to separate the rebel-held places in the northern countryside of Hama from those in the southern countryside of Idlib, a province where the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and likeminded groups are positioned.

"The army recaptured several small towns in the northern suburbs of Hama, exterminated a great number of terrorists, destroyed several military trucks, five vehicles loaded with heavy guns, and three US-made TOW missile launch pads," said Issa.

In the coastal city of Latakia, the army recaptured several strategic towns and hills, most importantly the southeastern outskirts of the town of Salmah, which has long been under the rebels' control.

The army also recaptured the al-Hurra town in the northern province of Aleppo, following battles with the Islamic State (IS) militants. They also targeted rebel positions in the vicinity of the Koers airbase, which has long been besieged by Jihadi groups.

"Under the cover of the airstrikes and bombing attacks, the achievements of the Syrian army during the offensive have inflicted hefty losses among the terrorist groups and a collapse in their morale, as large numbers of them have fled towards Turkey," said Issa.

Such fresh battles marked the first instance that the Syrian military has carried out a broad offensive under direct Russian air support.

The army hopes to fully secure the road between Hama and the central province of Homs, with Russian support in the air.

The wide-ranging offensive also aims to separate the countryside of Hama from the countryside of northwestern Idlib, which is largely under the control of Jaish al-Fateh, or the Conquer Army.

The spokesman said at the end of the video that the military actions are still underway and the troops are high spirited and courageous.

Russian warplanes started airstrikes against rebel positions in several Syrian areas late last month, marking the first Russian military involvement in the war on terror in Syria.
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