Pro-Assad fighters continue their push towards the IS stronghold of Raqqa city, as Russian airstrikes hit nearby Hama province.
The Syrian army has entered the province of
Raqqa during a Russian-backed offensive against Islamic State, according
to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Heavy Russian airstrikes also bombarded IS territory east of
nearby Hama province, according to the Observatory, a UK-based group
that monitors the war.The group has also claimed that US-backed Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) took control of four villages en route to Manbij, an IS-held city in the of province of Aleppo, and that 10 civilians, including five family members, were killed in US-led coalition airstrikes in Ojana village near Manbij.
:: Anti-IS Forces Close In On Group's Raq
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 militants have begun a counter offensive against Syrian army positions southwest of Aleppo, according to the Interfax news agency citing a Russian monitoring centre.
UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien warned that access to millions of Syrians in need of help is deteriorating amid the fighting.
:: Chilling Glimpse Into Islamic State War Machine
Taking Raqqa from IS is a major strategic goal for those seeking to topple the Islamist terror group and reduce its stranglehold on Syria.
Millions more have been forced from their homes and migrated to Jordan, Turkey, Greece and Europe.
:: 'Resistance Of A Million' In IS-Held Raqqa
A fragile, US-Russian brokered truce was implemented in February but ferocious fighting has continued to rage in many parts of the country, killing hundreds of soldiers and civilians.
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