The Syrian forces gained control over some areas around Kokab Tuesday and destroyed some weapons and armored vehicles of the anti-government forces, according to the state news agency SANA.

The Syrian army launched large-scale offensives in Hama in late August and advanced about 20 km from north to south on Aug 29 and 30, closing up less than five kilometers from the downtown Hama City.

"Hama is a hot region and its location is very important so the Syrian Army and rebels are fighting hard here," said Yacoub, Commodore of the Syrian Arab Army.

The rebels started their counterattacks on September 24 and expanded their control of northern Hama to the eastern regions.

However, the Syrian army has taken advantage of the infighting between two major rebel groups in northern Hama, namely the Ahrar al Sham and Jun al Aqsa, which has recently pledged allegiance to the Jabhat Fateh al Sham group, previously known as the Al Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

"The Syrian Army and its allies have gained control over some northern parts of Hama," Yacoub said.

"They are targeting the whole Kawkab. The bombing has forced the rebels to withdraw from there," he added.

Recent reports said the rebels in the northern province of Aleppo are reeling under fresh pressure by the Syrian army, which has closed the routes to the besieged rebel-held areas in the eastern part of Aleppo city, and urged the rebels to surrender.

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