The Syrian and Russian forces launched their largest attack of the year over the key town of Khan Sheikhoun in southern Idlib, Al-Masdar News reports.

According to a military source in the nearby Hama Governorate, the Russian and Syrian forces launched more than 30 air and missile strikes on Khan Sheikhoun, hitting several sites belonging to the militants of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham.

The source said the Syrian and Russian forces launched this massive assault on Khan Sheikhoun in response to the heavy attack conducted by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and Jaysh Al-Izza on the government stronghold of Mhardeh the day prior.

Khan Sheikhoun was previously captured by Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) during their 2014 southern Idlib offensive.