UPDATE - Armed anti-regime groups capture 20 more settlements in Syria's Hama

UPDATE WITH NUMBER OF SETTLEMENTS CAPTURED, REVISES HEAD, LEDE

By Anadolu Staff

HAMA, Syria (AA) — Armed groups opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria captured 20 more settlements on Wednesday in the western province of Hama.

The anti-regime forces have been advancing towards Hama province since clashes with Assad regime forces began on Nov. 27.

In clashes with regime forces roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) outside the Hama city center, anti-regime groups took control of 16 additional settlements after capturing Pasif, Elcid, Al-Karim, and Hamra earlier in the day.

Additionally, they have captured the Armored Corps School near Hama city center, which is one of the regime's key bases and serves as the main headquarters for the 25th Brigade.

Clashes broke out on Nov. 27 between Assad regime forces and anti-regime armed groups in the western countryside of Aleppo in northern Syria, marking a re-escalation of the fighting after a period of relative calm in the conflict that has gripped Syria for nearly 14 years.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli and Serdar Dincel