The north-west is dominated by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), but Turkish-backed rebel factions - known as the Syrian National Army (SNA) - also control territory there with the support of Turkish troops.

Intense airstrikes overnight drove Syrian rebels back from the edge of Hama, a major city whose fall would pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, both sides said on Wednesday. Rebels have staged a whirlwind advance over the past week,

Syrian government forces launched a counterattack against Islamist-led rebels around the key city of Hama on Wednesday after suffering a string of staggering losses, a war monitor said.Hama is strategically located in central Syria and for the army,

Syrian rebel troops advancing towards Hama city have failed to take control of Zein Al-Abideen mountain following clashes with regime forces that launched a counter attack on Wednesday with aerial support,