Damascus, Oct 22 (IANS): Syria's President Bashar-al-Assad on Tuesday visited troops deployed along the front line of Idlib province, in western Syria, for the first time since the beginning of the conflict in 2011.

"President Al Assad (is) accompanied by Syrian Arab Army in the village of al Habit on the front line in the Idlib camp," Syrian Presidency's official Twitter account tweeted.

Assad stressed that, although all parts of Syria have the same importance, the military situation in the province of Idlib is a priority as his regime seeks to regain control of the country, Efe news reported.

"The fight in Idlib is the key to end chaos and terrorism in all Syrian areas," Assad said in a statement.

The Syrian President added that all political and military forces on the ground were contacted to offer support for those who resist, according to the statement.

"We are prepared to support any resistance group," Assad underscored.

"This is not a political decision; it is a constitutional and a national duty."

Assad's visit to northwestern Syria is intended to show Syrian military progress in that area, which is under the control of Islamist groups, as well as the rebels supporting the Ankara offensive in northeastern Syria.

Idlib is the last stronghold of the armed opposition in northern Syria.

The Syrian government and its ally Russia have been trying for months to conquer this territory.