The army infantry units advanced in central Zobdin and killed a large number of militants in a series of ambush operations in there.

Also in the past 24 hours, informed sources said as the Syrian army has made major advances in Damascus countryside, the possibility for the start of a national reconciliation plan has risen in many regions in Damascus countryside.

The sources said "the regions where the national reconciliation plan is due to take place include areas that will surprise many people and observers."

The sources also stated that the plan is due to go into effect in a number of villages and towns of Damascus countryside in the next 24 hours.

Several groups of militants have surrendered to the Syrian army in the Damascus countryside in the last several months. The last one of such groups gave in to the authorities in the region in mid-February.

The Syrian army pushed back militants' raid for breaking the siege of the strategic city of Nawa in Daraa province in the Southern parts of the country.

The foreign-backed militants tried to open their way into the Syrian army's line of defense around Nawa, but failed to go through.

Elsewhere, the Syrian army on Saturday continued its mop-up operations after its successful operations in the vicinity of Aleppo Central Prison where it ended months-long siege on the troops defending it.

Units of the army killed a number of militants and injured many others in a number of Aleppo and Daraa regions.

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to reports, Western powers and their regional allies - especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey - are supporting the militants operating inside the country.

Over 150,000 people have reportedly lost their lives and millions of others have been displaced as a result of the country’s battle against foreign-backed militants.

NTJ/HH