MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Saturday, the center stated that al-Nusra Front has gained control over groups opposing the Syrian government in several districts of the Aleppo province.
"After mortar shelling of government troops, terrorists from al-Nusra Front attempted to carry on yesterday's advance and capture the Mreqes settlement in the Aleppo province. Facing persistent resistance, the militants lost 12 people and retreated to previously held positions," the center said in a statement published on the Russian Defense Ministry's website.
Al-Nusra Front has been designated as a terrorist organization by many countries and the United Nations. It has not been included in the ceasefire deal between the Syrian government and opposition groups.
On February 22, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria, which took effect on February 27.