DAMASCUS - A total of 22 gunmen were killed Saturday in clashes with government troops in Syria's northern province of Aleppo, the state-run SANA news agency said.

The clashes took place at Tal Zarazir in Aleppo, SANA reported, adding that the troops also dealt deadly blows to armed insurgents at Wadihi and Kafr Dael in Aleppo, once a bastion of support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Aleppo, a city of three million, has emerged as a key battleground in Syria's civil war.

The clashes there hit a new high after rebels announced Thursday the start of "decisive battle."

SANA said the army has been dealing deadly blows to the armed militias in Aleppo, adding that scores are being killed on daily basis.