Damascus, February 8 (RHC)-- Syrian forces have liberated a key village in the northern province of Latakia, dealing another blow to militants operating along the Turkish border. Syrian media says that the military and allied volunteer fighters seized control over Aliyah in the mountainous region of the northern countryside of Latakia.

Reports said the recapture came after fierce clashes between Syrian forces and militants operating in Aliyah. The village is said to have been used as a major conduit for terror groups enabling them to transfer weapons and militants from Turkey intro Syria.

Over the past few weeks, the Syrian forces have gained more ground against militants north of Latakia, a province where the government enjoys more support. Syria has blamed Turkey for the bulk of the chaos in its northern provinces, including in Latakia and Aleppo, saying Ankara overtly trains and funds militants who enter those areas.