Syrian government troops captured a key opposition town in the northwest on Wednesday, an observer group and news network reported, despite threats by Turkey's president to use force if they don't pull back by the end of the month.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and an opposition news network said Syrian government troops entered Saraqeb in the evening after an intense day of clashes with opposition fighters, during which several Turkish posts were surrounded.
Syrian state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV reported government forces encircled Saraqeb after advancing toward the town from three directions. Some opposition fighters were reportedly still in the town, while opposition-run Shaam news agency said Syrian troops have not yet entered Saraqeb.
Syrian forces have fought to open a highway linking the capital Damascus with the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest. Rebels have kept the highway shut down since 2012 and Saraqeb is the last major rebel-held town in their way. The town also sits at the intersection of another major highway that links eastern and western Syria.