Syrian regime troops captured the entire northwestern village of Qalaat al-Madiq on Thursday as they move deeper toward Idlib province, the last major opposition stronghold, activists and pro-regime media reported.
The village, known for its medieval fortress, was taken after militants pulled out, according to Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Idlib-based activist Alaa Moadamani also confirmed the village's capture.
The pro-regime Syrian Central Military Media said troops took Qalaat al-Madiq and two smaller nearby villages. Regime troops had been holding the nearby fortress, which also carries the name of Qalaat al-Madiq, the Associated Press reported.
The village, near the Orontes River, is a gateway to the fertile plain of al-Ghab, a breadbasket for the central province of Hama.
Thursday's push came a day after regime troops took the nearby village of Kfar Nabudah.
According to UN data, more than 150,000 people have been displaced recently within the enclave.
