Syrian airstrikes kill 70 rebels in Latakia amid ongoing showdown

At least 70 rebels were killed and 40 others wounded by Syrian airstrikes in Latakia Wednesday, amid ongoing military showdown near the area of Ghab Plains, the state-run SANA news agency and a monitor group reported.

The Syrian warplanes heavily struck positions of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and affiliated militant groups in the northeastern countryside of Latakia, mainly in the towns of Rwaisat al-Malouha, Kitef Hariq and Jib al-Ahmar in the far northeastern part of Latakia, adjacent to the provinces of Idlib and Hama, said SANA.

At least 70 "terrorists" were killed in the intensified airstrikes, SANA added.

It said the town of Jib al-Ahmar is regarded as a main stronghold and assembly point for the rebels at the outskirts of Ghab Plains, where intense battles are raging there also amid the progress of rebel groups in that specific part of the country.

SANA said the military operation in northern Latakia aims at severing the rebel supply routes.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said violent clashes are taking place between jihadi groups and the Syrian army in Ghab Plains.

It added that 14 Syrian soldiers were killed in the latest battles there after the militant groups managed to seize control of the towns of Tal Waset and Zyara in the Ghab area.

Since the conflict in Syria began more than four years ago, at least 250,000 people have been killed, including over 10,000 children, and about 12 million have been forced to flee their homes. Endit