Syrian army troops entered a rebel-held town in Deraa province Wednesday, aided by intense Russian aerial bombing in southern Syria, Reuters reported.
The troops captured the town of Sheikh Miskeen's main square as well as northern and eastern neighborhoods. The town is of strategic interest as it lies on a major supply route from Damascus to Deraa, according to a statement from the Syrian army.
An opposition source confirmed that Syrian army troops had entered the town, but said that firefights were ongoing.
This offensive is part of the Syrian army's first major assault in southern Syria since Russia began its airstrike campaign on Sept. 30 in support of Bashar al-Assad's government.
Until now, Russia has primarily focused the strikes on the northwest and coastal areas, and has not confirmed the strikes in Deraa province. Russia maintains that it is primarily targeting Daesh fighters.
Activists and residents say Russian airstrikes are distinct because missiles and bombs are launched from high altitudes, unlike Syrian army strikes, which are dropped from lower altitudes and rely more on barrel bombs.
Washington and other regional powers have accused Russia of striking civilians as well as other rebel groups, seen as more moderate alternatives to the Assad regime.
The Syrian army said it made advances overnight against rebel groups.
Recapturing Sheikh Miskeen could be an important win for the Syrian army and would consolidate its control over Deraa province, forming a line of defense protecting Damascus.
