Syria's Latakia, Most of Hama, Homs, Damascus Liberated from Terrorists

Terrorists sustain heavy losses as strikes on ammunition depots, training camps and sources of money have been carried out, the Russian Defense Ministry spokesman said.

"Seven months ago, Daesh (ISIL) and al-Nusra Front terrorists almost daily 'engulfed' Syrian territory, capturing more and more populated areas. Currently, over 500 areas have been liberated from terrorist groups by units of the Syrian army and patriotic opposition," Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

Syrian army and allied forces have freed over 500 populated areas from terrorists, Konashenkov said.

According to him, "it is impossible not to notice" that terrorist groups suffer heavy losses, Sputnik News reported.

"Latakia is almost completely liberated, most of provinces of Hama, Homs, Damascus and area near Palmyra have been freed. Currently, Syrian troops are fighting near Arak."

The ministry spokesman added that the liberation of Palmyra has become a strategically important event as Daesh has allowed to cut off Daesh militants fighting in the south-eastern direction from terrorists operating in the north of the country.