Syrian regime forces backed by Russian air strikes advanced in the center of the country on Monday, sparking the fiercest clashes with rebels since Moscow began its air campaign, a monitor said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said regime forces had entered the village of Kafr Nabuda in Hama province as they press an operation on both sides of the highway between the capital Damascus and second city Aleppo, AFP reports.
"Regime forces captured the southern district of Kafr Nabuda backed by more than 20 Russian air strikes," said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman. "The clashes are the fiercest since the Russian air campaign began on September 30."