Syria: Syrian army forces retake control of ground from rebels in Hama
Syrian Army forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday retook most of the land lost recently to rebel groups in Hama Governorate, local sources reported.
Rebel fighters of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and allied Islamist groups have recently launched a major offensive against pro-Assad troops in Hama and recaptured more than 15 villages.
“After heavy clashes with rebel groups, the Syrian government troops recaptured at least 18 villages during the past two days,” local media activist Saadoun al-Hamwi told ARA News.
Russian warplanes provided air support to pro-Assad troops during the fight for Hama countryside.
“The Russian Air Force played a key role in the regime-led counter-attacks in Hama,” the source reported. “Russia launched dozens of airstrikes on the rebells’ fighting positions, which helped the pro-regime forces make a remarkable progress on the ground.”