Syria's military said today it had captured a string of towns and part of a key highway from the Islamic State group in the northern province of Aleppo. Since launching a broad offensive against the jihadists nearly three weeks ago, the army has taken around 250 square kilometres (100 square miles) of territory. The Military said this in a statement carried by official news agency SANA. It said the area includes more than 32 towns and fields.'<br/>'<br/>Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have steadily advanced in Syria's north since announcing they had retaken full control over Aleppo city in late December. It was the biggest blow to Syria's rebel movement since the uprising against Assad erupted in March 2011.''<br/>'<br/>More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria and millions have been displaced since the uprising broke out nearly six years ago.<br/>''''''<br/>