Syrian army recaptures 3 towns in Homs

The Syrian army carried out " successful" military operations in the central province of Homs, recapturing three towns, the army's general command said in a statement Friday. "Following a successful military operation and precise tactical maneuvers, the army on Friday morning was able to tighten its control over the towns of Hadath, Hawariyen and Muhin and the adjacent depots," read the statement. The army has dealt "deadly blows" to the armed groups, killing large numbers of them and destroying hundreds of their vehicles, according to the statement. The recent achievements have "thwarted the illusions of the terrorists who were dreaming of controlling vital positions in the countryside of Homs," the statement added. Meanwhile, the army's general command stressed their resolution to strike the armed groups in Syria with an "iron fist" till the restoration of security and stability to the war-torn country. The Muhin area is deemed crucial to the army as about 32 arms depots situated there. The rebels tried to move out the weapons but the artillery shelling of the Syrian troops have thwarted the rebels' attempts. The recent progress is part of the recent victories the Syrian army and its affiliated militia, including the Lebanese Hezbollah fighters, have made on many fronts. Earlier on Friday, the Syrian state-run media declared the army 's victory in the Tal Hasel town southeast of the northern province of Aleppo.