Syria Activists: 27 dead in fighting around Syrian city of Hama

According to information from activists, at least 27 people have been killed in fighting around the strategically important Syrian city of Hama. Among the dead were 17 members of government troops, eight fighters from Islamist rebels and two civilians, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which follows the war in the country with a network of informants.

In the middle of last week, an alliance of insurgents led by the Islamist group Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive in north-western Syria and took control of Aleppo, the country's second largest city, at the weekend. The front line has now shifted around 130 kilometers south of the city of Hama.

Fierce fighting is reportedly taking place in the area surrounding the city. The Islamist alliance has captured at least ten villages and towns. Syria's armed forces reportedly increased their troop presence and responded with dozens of airstrikes on the Islamist rebels.

SDA