Moments ago, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) – heavily aided by Hezbollah fighters and the Russian airforce – finally imposed full control over Mayir and Kafr Naya near the newly liberated towns of Nubl and al-Zahraa after hours of ongoing combat wth Islamist rebels during the morning and afternoon. These newly captured towns have otherwise been rebel-held since early 2012.

Since launching their offensive a few days ago, government troops have captured the aforementioned villages, Duwayr az-Zaytun, Tall Jibbin, Hardatnin and partially the village of Rityan. While the SAA is busy expanding a buffer zone around the supply route that links Nubl and al-Zahraa with the government-held mainland of Aleppo City, local Islamist rebels have had their main Turkish supply line from Azaz to Aleppo city entirely severed.

According to an al-Masdar source, the battle for Mayir and Kafr Naya caused heavy casualities for Jabhat al-Nusra, Jaish al-Fateh and Jabhat al-Mujahideen as dozens of rebels fighters were killed during the loss of these towns. More than 500 Russian airstrikes have been carried out against Islamist militants in the region since the offensive was launched 4 days ago while tens of government soldiers and pro-government shi’ite fighters have been killed in combat.