According to reports, the Syrian troops retook the control of Ariha town, which on August 24 fell to the control of militant group of Al-Nusra Front.

The town in Idlib province had been virtually emptied of its residents and armed troops were currently on a looting spree.

Ariha was of strategic importance as it is located on the main road linking the large town of Idlib to the coastal city of Latakia.

The town was hit last week by violent clashes between army troops and militant groups.

The army was on Tuesday also had heavy clashes in Jabal Arbain, a mountainous area near Ariha, to try and retake control there.

Syrian armed forces have regained control the majority of Idlib town in recent week.

The achievements come as the war rhetoric against Syria following an alleged chemical attack on the suburbs of Damascus on August 21 gains momentum.

Syria militants and foreign-backed opposition accuse the Syrian government of carrying out the attack, a claim Damascus has strongly rejected.

NJF/NJF