Damascus, April 11 (RHC)-- The Syrian prime minister says government forces are preparing an operation to retake control of the northwestern city of Aleppo.  Following a meeting with Russian lawmakers in the Syrian capital of Damscus, Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi announced that Syria, with its Russian partners, will launch an operation to block all illegal armed groups that have not joined or have broken the ceasefire.

The premier noted that capturing Aleppo would allow the government forces to advance toward Deir Ezzor, which is held by Takfiri militants including Daesh.  Also on Sunday, army soldiers took control of Barneh and Zaytan villages, which lie south of Aleppo.

Backed by the Russian air cover, the Syrian army has vowed to press ahead with its counter-terror military operations and drive Daesh elements out of their major strongholds in the war-wracked country.

In yet another major blow to Daesh Takfiris, Syrian armed units regained control of the historic city of Palmyra in Homs Province late last month following weeks of heavy clashes with the militants.