Syrian troops have shelled rebel-held areas and clashed with opposition fighters in several locations across the country, activists said, according to Belfast Telegraph.

The assault is part of a regime offensive to recover territories controlled by rebels which began earlier this week.

The Local Co-ordination Committees and Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said troops bombarded the northern town of Anadan in the northern Aleppo province June 15. The Observatory said one person was killed.

The groups said troops have also shelled the rebel-held areas of Khaldieh and Jouret al-Shayah in the central Homs province.

Syrian troops have been sweeping through villages and towns in Syria's northern, central, southern and seaside provinces this week.

It appears to be the largest offensive since an internationally-brokered ceasefire went into effect two months ago.