"The Syrian forces' operations in the northern parts of Latakia, near the border with Turkey, have gained much success in recent days and the [Sunni] militant groups are retreating from most of their position," the Fars news agency reported.
Following days of intense fighting, the SAA has reportedly taken al-Markashileh and Jab al-Ahmar regions under control. On Friday, Damascus-led forces managed to push militant fighters from Tal Sifah and Tal al-Malouha in northern Latakia.
Earlier this week, the Syrian Army reportedly killed three senior commanders of the Free Syrian Army in the province of Latakia. One of them, Rasheed Bikdash, who the media outlet described as one of the "Mujahidin Army" leaders, is said to be "the highest-ranking defector" from the SAA.
![Russian military aircraft at Syria's Hmeimim airfield Russian military aircraft at Syria's Hmeimim airfield - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102819/46/1028194646_0:64:2405:1576_600x0_80_0_0_2a51fabd33f0401c2c4e5dacd6bbacca.jpg)
![Russian war planes at Hmeimim base in Syria Russian war planes at Hmeimim base in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102802/45/1028024502_0:58:3072:1989_600x0_80_0_0_eb68f8e47022bb39046a58466d687a3b.jpg)
![Russian tactical group seen at Hmeimim aerodrome in Syria Russian tactical group seen at Hmeimim aerodrome in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102807/96/1028079612_0:90:2730:1806_600x0_80_0_0_aa200f26f8d1e98f02f8cc0a0dde863f.jpg)
On November 24, a Turkish F-16 shot down the Su-24, claiming that the aircraft had violated its airspace. Russian officials and the Su-24 pilot, who survived the crash, insist that the plane did not cross into Turkey. The crew, according to the pilot, did not receive any warning prior to the attack.