Homs: Assad's army to launch ground offensive on northern countryside

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian regime forces to launch major offensive on the northern countryside of Homs after pressing advances in the nearby countryside of Hama province, activists said.

 Bashar al-Assad'd forces and key ally Russia seek to capture a-Rastan town and Teir Maalain in the northern countryside after taking control of Jenan and al Jerniya towns in the western countryside of Hama province and cutting the main supply route to al-Rastan, activist Amer al Naser told Zaman Al Wasl.

Al Naser said the planned ground offensive to be led by Russian commanders without any backup from pro-regime NDF militia. Regime tries to give the lead to Russians in ground battles, he added after Russia's air campaign has killed 2300 people since it stared in Sep 30.

Meanwhile, civilians had been used as human shields by regime in the ongoing attacks on Hama.