Syrian army pushing back rebel forces

Syrian government troops backed by Russian airstrikes are forcing rebels into retreat on several fronts, as talks to end the nearly five-year-old civil war hang in the balance

Jan 24, Rabiya: Syrian government forces overrun last major rebel-held town in coastal province of Latakia, paving way for advance up to Turkish border

Latakia

Hama

LEBANON

Mediterranean Sea

ISRAEL

Aleppo

Al Bab

Idlib

Homs

Damascus

Deraa

TURKEY

Kobane

Raqqa

SYRIA

JORDAN

River Euphrates

IRAQ

100km 60 miles

Jan 25, Sheikh Maskin: Syrian army captures town after weeks of fierce fighting, cutting off rebels from key supply lines

APPROXIMATE AREAS OF CONTROL (as of January 18)
Lighter colours indicate low level of control over countryside

Syrian government and allies

Rebel groups

Islamic State (IS) group / Daesh

Kurdish forces

Sources: Thomas van Linge, wire agencies