Syrian forces Monday thwarted an infiltration attempt by militants into the northwestern city of Idlib.
A group of the Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front militants attempted to infiltrate Idlib earlier in the day, which was repelled, the official SANA news agency reported.
Dozens of rebels were killed after their positions were destroyed.
The Nusra Front's assault on Idlib was an apparent attempt to ease the pressure on rebel positions in the northern countryside of Hama, where government forces made major advances recently.
The army has continued its progress in Hama, capturing the town of Buwaida, SANA said.
In addition, militants were also killed in the towns of Kafr Zaita, Sayyad, Mork and Latamneh.