Russian-backed Syria pushes ahead after taking key town of Salma

Syrian forces pushed forward Friday to capture more parts of Latakia province from rebel hands after taking the key town of Salma backed by Russian air strikes. The town was held by Syrian rebels for three years during which they fired on government-held Latakia and were able to threaten the nearby Russian base. The Russian military took Moscow based reporters on a tour of the battered city Friday.
The fall of Salma so close to the Turkish border is of deep concern to Ankara. Many rebels were seen fleeing from the town across the Turkish border.