Syrian forces are battling insurgents just north of the strategic central city of Hama where they are attempting to advance after seizing most of Aleppo.

Intense airstrikes overnight drove Syrian rebels back from the edge of Hama, a major city whose fall would pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, both sides said on Wednesday.

A Syrian war monitor said that government forces have launched a counteroffensive near the Hama, pushing back Islamist-led militants seeking to advance on the key central city.