CWN - Syrian government forces, aided by Assyrian and Kurdish militias, have regained control of 35 predominantly Christian villages in northeastern Syria, according to a report from the Assyrian International News Agency.
The Islamic State, which took control of the area in February, destroyed most of the villages, according the report. The extremist group has released over two dozen hostages taken at that time but still holds over 200 in captivity.
At present, the Islamic State controls half of Syrian territory and one-quarter of Iraq.
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