Syria army retakes control of Latakia province

The Syrian army has recaptured rebel-held positions in Latakia, home province of President Bashar al-Assad, state-run SANA news agency reported Monday quoting a military source.

“The army retook control of the Nabi Ashia mountain range and adjoining areas in the north of Latakia province,” the source said, of villages seized in early August by rebels trying to topple Assad.

On Sunday state television reported that the army had reclaimed rebel-held villages in the coastal province, hinterland of Assad’s minority Alawite community.