The Qastal Ma’af road and Lattakia-Kassab highway, which were not operational for at least two years, have now been reopened.

“The recapture of Turkmen mountain (Jabal al-Turkmen) by the Syrian forces played a significant role in reopening the [Lattakia-Kassab] highway,” the media outlet quoted the source as saying.

The Qastal Ma'af road connects the provincial capital of Latakia and Kassab, a checkpoint on the border with Turkey. The town of the same name, located some 7 miles to the south of the border, is predominantly populated by the Turkmen.

Militants are reported to have fled to the town of Rabia following the government offensive. Damascus-led forces are planning to focus their efforts on liberating the town.

The Syrian Arab Army also pushed terrorists out of Height 713 and al-Koz Mountain after Russian warplanes launched airstrikes against militant targets in the area; Sputniknews reported.

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