Summary
Syrian government forces were close to capturing a rebel stronghold in the southern province of Deraa Monday, backed by Russian airstrikes, a monitor and state media said.
It also lies about 12 kilometers (seven miles) from the rebel stronghold of Nawa, another key target for government forces.
Last month, government troops captured the Brigade 82 base outside the town, and they have since been pushing to capture Sheikh Miskeen.
Since then, the government has recaptured several key rebel towns in coastal Latakia province, as well as advancing in the northern province of Aleppo and in Deraa.
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