Syrian troops have launched an offensive to retake a strategic hilltop village south of Aleppo from armed opposition groups, including al-Qaeda's local franchise.
Al-Manar TV, a pro-government media outlet, said the attack on Tel al-Ais was launched in full force on Tuesday after days of skirmishes in the area.
Al-Manar is run by Lebanon's Hizballah group, which is fighting alongside Syrian government forces.
The village overlooks a supply line connecting the capital, Damascus, to the northern city of Aleppo, parts of which have been held by opposition groups since 2012.