Syria forces liberate village in Latakia Province

Syrian forces have liberated a key village in the northern province of Latakia, dealing another blow to militants operating along the Turkish border.

Syrian media said on Saturday that the military and allied volunteer fighters seized control over Aliyah in the mountainous region of the northern countryside of Latakia.

Reports said the recapture came after fierce clashes between Syrian forces and militants operating in Aliyah. The village is said to have been used as a major conduit for terror groups enabling them to transfer weapons and militants from Turkey intro Syria.

Over the past few weeks, the Syrian forces have gained more ground against militants north of Latakia, a province where the government enjoys more support. Russian fighter jets have also contributed to the gains.

Syria has blamed Turkey for the bulk of the chaos in its northern provinces, including in Latakia and Aleppo, saying Ankara overtly trains and funds militants who enter those areas.

The key recapture in Latakia came on January 24, when the Syrian forces liberated the town of Rabia, which lies in the northern part of the province and close to the border with Turkey.

The conflict in Syria flared in March 2011 and has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 260,000 people.

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