Government forces are battling rebels for control of a strategically important town in southern Syria.

An army statement said troops and militiamen were advancing into Sheikh Miskeen on several fronts and had reached the main square.

Opposition activists said there were fierce clashes around the town and a heavy bombardment by Russian aircraft.

The government’s offensive is the first in the south since Russia launched air strikes in support three months ago.

The region is the last where secular and nationalist rebel factions still hold substantial territory, and Sheikh Miskeen lies on one of the main routes from Damascus to the city of Deraa and the Jordanian border.