Updated

Opposition activists say suspected Syrian government airstrikes in the northern city of Idlib killed at least five people.

The strikes Friday came amid a stepped up air campaign in central and northern Syria the day after Islamic militants, including fighters from al-Qaida's local affiliate, seized an Alawite village. Activists and pro-government media say scores of civilians were killed when the Sunni insurgents took over the central village of Zaara.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the airstrikes in Idlib killed five people. Ahmad al-Ahmad, an activist from the nearby city of Hama, put the toll at six. Both reported other airstrikes around Zaara.

Syria's state news agency SANA says government warplanes struck al-Qaida strongholds in Idlib province and Hama, killing more than 30 militants.