Syria: Heavy clashes as Syria government forces advance on rebel town of Rabia
Syrian government forces edged closer to a key rebel town in the coastal province of Latakia Friday, backed by Russian air strikes and military advisers, activists said.
Soldiers and pro-government fighters advanced to around five kilometers (three miles) from the town of Rabia, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Rabia is a major stronghold for rebel forces in the north of Latakia, which is otherwise largely government-held and a bastion of support for President Bashar Assad.
“If the regime retakes Rabia, it will be able to secure the northern part of Latakia province,” said Observatory chief Rami Abdel-Rahman.