Syria: Syrian troops attack Jisr al-Shughour town recently captured by militants
Syrian government helicopters dropped leaflets over a northwestern town held by Muslim militants Sunday, calling on fighters to surrender and residents to stay away from militant positions as battles intensified nearby, Syrian state TV said.
The warning came as state media and activists said government forces are on the offensive in the outskirts of the town of Jisr al-Shughour, adding that troops have closed all roads leading to the town — which was captured by Muslim militants late last month.
State TV said two reporters embedded with Syrian troops in the area were lightly wounded while covering the fight. It identified them as Jaafar Younnes and Abdou Zamam, who both work for state-run TV stations.
Sunday’s fighting was concentrated near the national hospital compound south of the town, where scores of Syrian troops have been besieged by militants for more than two weeks.