Damascus, December 19 (RHC)-- The Syrian army, backed by fighters from allied popular forces, has made new advances in strategic parts of the country and inflicted losses on the personnel and equipment of the militants.

On Friday, the Syrian troops managed to establish their control over several hills in the western province of Lattakia and kill a number of terrorists and destroy their equipment, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported.

Syrian forces also conducted successful operations in two southwestern provinces. Reports say that a terrorist group leader was also killed during the attacks.

Elsewhere in the central province of Homs, government forces launched attacks on a number of hideouts and military bases belonging to Takfiri terrorists and killed a number of militants, destroying some of their vehicles and ammunition.

The Syrian army also gained control over a number of areas outside of Damascus, bolstering its defensive positions in the newly-liberated areas. A number of Takfiris were also killed during intense clashes with Syrian government forces.