A coalition of foreign-backed militant groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a significant offensive against Syrian military positions in Aleppo province on Wednesday, leading to intense clashes and substantial casualties on both sides, Tasnim reports.

According to local media, HTS and allied militant factions overran at least ten areas under Syrian military control west of Aleppo city and in the eastern countryside of Idlib.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitor, reported nearly 100 fatalities among soldiers and militants.

Additionally, 37 Syrian forces personnel, including at least four officers, lost their lives, with five captured. The militants seized weapon depots, armored vehicles, and heavy weaponry.

The clashes also resulted in civilian casualties, including children.

A source added that HTS used rocket launchers and mortars to advance toward Syrian army positions.

In response, the Syrian army, supported by reconnaissance aircraft and joint Syrian-Russian air forces, conducted extensive strikes around the conflict front, targeting HTS supply lines from Idlib city to the Taftanaz military airport camp east of Idlib.

HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, is designated a terrorist organization by Syria, Russia, and several other countries.

Syria has been embroiled in foreign-sponsored conflict since March 2011, with Damascus accusing Western states and regional allies of supporting terrorist groups to destabilize the country.