Syrian state TV said government forces have captured two villages near the border with Lebanon after clashes with opposition fighters.

According to the Associated Press, the TV said the villages of Flita and Ras Maara fell into the hands of government forces Saturday, March 29 morning.

The villages were the latest targets of a government offensive in the rugged Qalamoun border region after troops captured the town of Yabroud earlier this month.

Tens of thousands of Syrians fled into Lebanon since the Qalamoun offensive began in November.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed troops were advancing in the two villages although it had no immediate word on whether they fell to government forces.