AFP reports that the Syrian regime army recaptured two towns from Daesh in the province of Homs on Monday.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed state media reports, saying that regime troops were backed by Russian military aircraft.
"The army, in cooperation with popular defense groups (pro-regime militias) took control of Maheen and Hawareen in the southeast of Homs province after inflicting heavy losses on Daesh," state television said, according to AFP.
Daesh took over Maheen on November 1 as part of an offensive moving northwest. Maheen and nearby towns have a moderate-sized Christian population. Daesh kidnapped hundreds of civilans and destroyed Christian artifacts and holy sites.
Maheen is located strategically near a main highway in Syria, connecting Homs and Damascus to cities in northern Syria.
The Syrian regime army is advancing on several Daesh-held towns and cities in the Homs province. Recapturing Maheen puts the Syrian regime army only nine miles from al-Qaryatain, a Daesh stronghold since August.
Acording to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Syrian regime army is also moving toward the historic city of Palmyra.
Daesh captured Palmyra in May and has destroyed many UNESCO World Heritage sites in ancient city.
"Such acts are war crimes and their perpetrators must be accountable for their actions," UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said in a statement in August.
Regime troops have reached the outskirts of Palmyra and the fighting is ongoing.
