Iran's Foreign Minister met with President of Syria in Damascus: mass media

Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi makes a visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, to meet President Bashar Assad. His visit comes as Syria’s army launched counterattacks to repel insurgents who’ve seized control of Aleppo, and areas in Idlib, Euronews reports.

The Syrian army conducted a series of counterattacks on Sunday in the cities of Aleppo and Idlib to push back insurgents who’ve made surprise advances.

Syrian state television claimed government forces had killed nearly 1,000 insurgents over the past three days, without providing evidence or details.

The Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, a group that operates in opposition held areas say Assad’s army launched joint counter-operations with Russian forces in the two cities.

Fighter jets reportedly pounded the area, killing at least 18 people and wounding dozens more. Russia, who’ve long-backed Syria’s Assad in the 13-year war, have not publicly commented on their involvement.