According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Syrian regime forces are making further advances in the Idlib province. More than 170 people lost their lives in fierce clashes ongoing since Thursday evening, mainly in the vicinity of the Maarat al-Numan town. According to the Britain-based Observatory, 71 of the casualties are from the pro-regime forces.

SOHR said that the regime forces have taken control of 25 towns and villages in this area and continue to approach one of the largest towns in the Idlib region.

Speaking to AFP, SOHR Director Rami Abdul Rahman said that this advance was an attempt to get close to Maarat al-Numan.

A larger part of the Idlib region, as well as some areas in neighboring Aleppo and Latakia are held by Tahrir al-Sham, which is made up of Turkish-backed mercenary groups. Tahrir al-Sham was founded by the former al-Nusra.

Fighting in Idlib region continued despite the deal made between Turkey and Russia in late August. The operations backed by Russian air force have intensified since December 16.