The Syrian army regained its control over the villages of Hambousheyah, al-Ballouta and Sheikh Nabhan that lie in the Latakia northern countryside, according to a Syrian military source.

The Syrian army regained its control over the villages of Hambousheyah, al-Ballouta and Sheikh Nabhan that lie in the Latakia northern countryside, according to a Syrian military source.

"The Syrian troops eradicated the militants who infiltrated into these villages and committed crimes of slaughtering, looting and assaulting the local residents," the Syrian military source told Al-Manar Website.

"Dozens of militants were killed," the Syrian military source added, " Some of the killed militants are Tunisian, including Ahmad Najem, Hamza Meslati and others."

The Syrian army restored two days ago security and stability in the villages of Shakouhi and Abu-Makkah in the northern countryside of Latakia.