Syrian troops have managed to capture a mosque in al-Khaldiyeh neighborhood in the western city of Homs

Syrian troops have managed to capture a mosque in al-Khaldiyeh neighborhood in the western city of Homs as clashes between government forces and foreign-backed militants continue in the restive city.

According to reports coming from Syria, militants fighting against the Syrian government were using Khalid bin Walid Mosque as a bastion.

The Syrian army launched a mop-up operation against militants in Homs in late June to recapture areas held by militants. Syrian troops have already cleansed the northern neighborhoods of al-Khaldiyeh and Jouret el-Shayah.

Scores of militants were also killed on Saturday as they tried to infiltrate into areas controlled by the army including al-Khaldiyeh.

Meanwhile, at least two civilians were injured after shells fired by militants hit residential buildings in Ekrima neighborhood in Homs city.

There are also reports of clashes between Syrian troops and Takfiri militants in other parts of the country, including Dar’a and Aleppo.

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions of others displaced in the violence.