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.

Syrian insurgents seized four towns on Tuesday in a big push toward the central city of Hama, opposition activists reported.

Opposition activists say Syrian insurgents have captured four new towns, bringing them closer to the central city of Hama

Syria said Wednesday its counteroffensive has pushed back insurgents attempting to advance to the strategic central city of Hama, while the insurgency says it captured more Syrian troops and Iran-backed militants in fierce battles.

Islamist-led rebels advanced Tuesday on Syria's fourth-largest city Hama, buoyed by their lightning capture of swathes of the north in an offensive that ended four years of relative calm.

Islamist-led rebels advanced on Syria's fourth-largest city Hama Tuesday, buoyed by their lightning capture of swathes of the north in an offensive that ended four years of relative calm.

Veterinary supplies shop owner Shadi Samih reopened his business in the centre of Hama on Wednesday, after fighting between the military and rebels at the gates of the Syrian mercantile city had forced him to close it.