Syria's army units have reportedly begun a wide-scale "qualitative" operation in the northern province of Idlib, targeting hideouts of "armed terrorist groups".

Fierce clashes erupted on Saturday between the two sides. Local state media said the crackdown is moving to restore normalcy to the city, assuring no casualties were caused among the army. The Syrian government has launched similar crackdowns in surrounding areas.

Another state media source said the army troops killed 14 of the gunmen during the operation in Idlib.

The pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 rebel fighters, seven soldiers and four civilians were killed in the Idlib fighting, and another 15 people were killed in violence elsewhere.