Syrian government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, gained significant foothold around the key city of Aleppo Saturday, setting their sights on the Islamic State group-controlled Raqqa province, according to media reports.
International Business Times: Russia-backed Syrian army gains foothold in Aleppo, peace hopes fade
Syrian pro-government troops hold positions in the Syrian town of Ain al-Hanash near l-Bab in Aleppo's eastern countryside on January 26, 2016 as regime forces have recaptured the area from Islamist jihadists.
