Syrian regime signals further operations against ISIS northeast of Aleppo

The Syrian army said Thursday that recent advances against ISIS northeast of Aleppo were a starting point for further operations to drive the extremist group back and extend government control in the area.

The army's general command said in a statement it had recently recaptured more than 30 towns and farms, confirming advances towards the town of al-Bab which have brought government forces close to areas where Turkish-backed fighters are separately fighting ISIS.