After deadly clashes, the military took control of Tal Skik, a highland area in Idlib province close to terrorist-held positions along the highway, Reuters reported on Sunday.
Syria's state news agency SANA also said Tal Skik was now under Syrian army control after an "extensive military operation" on the ground backed by Russia airstrikes against terrorist organizations in the area.
It said the military had destroyed weapons, ammunition and equipment during the offensive and 50 enemy fighters had been killed in the airstrikes.
Russian strikes have focused on areas in Hama province and neighboring Idlib where militants have advanced in recent months.