In an update posted on the ministry's Facebook page, it says that both Russian and Syrian warplanes have conducted more air strikes on opposition fighters in northern Idlib and Hama provinces. Idlib, not far from the border with Turkey, is the last remaining opposition stronghold.

The Syrian government has been fighting back against opposition forces with airstrikes after they took over large swathes of land in a lighting advance which has caused embarrassment to President Bashar Al-Assad.

Syrian armed opposition forces have entered Aleppo just three days into their surprise offensive, marking the first time they have set foot in the country’s second largest city since government forces recaptured the city in 2016.