Syrian Army Takes Villages in Latakia

“In the northern suburbs of Latakia a group of our forces regained control of the villages of Jub al-Ahmar, Kafar Delbeh, Jourat al-Battikh valley and Rwayset Khandak Jamo. The forces are continuing their advances and are regaining control of the southeastern borders of Salma village,” the unidentified general said on Syrian state TV.

The fresh victories claimed by the Syrian army come just days after the military forces declared the commencement of a large-scale offensive against rebel-held areas in Syria.

The advances also come as Russian warplanes have been providing the Syrian ground forces with air cover.

Russia began its air campaign on September 30, alarming a US-led coalition which is carrying out its own air strikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Moscow says it targets only banned terrorist groups in Syria, primarily ISIS. In its briefings, it describes all of the targets it strikes as belonging to ISIS. However, most strikes have taken place in areas held by other opposition groups, including many that are supported by Arab states, Turkey and the West.