Sources say the militants had ambushed in the al-Kahraba township of the region when they were met by the government forces’ surprise offensive.

Reports also indicate two militant leaders have been killed in an attack in the city of Deir al-Zour.

This comes as the Syrian army is making progress in its operation to retake control of the western city of Homs.

Syrian forces on Saturday advanced in some areas of the city including Qusour, Jouret al-Shayah and Khaldiyeh, as well as some parts of Old Homs.

The army has eliminated a large number of terrorists and dismantled explosive devices in the operation.

Meanwhile, Syrian troops are also fighting foreign-backed Takfiri militants on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus.