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Rebels make more gains in Jisr al-Shughour near Idlib
[EN.ZAMANALWSL.NET] Syrian rebels on Friday have made more gains in the northwestern town of Jisr al-Shughour, taking control of al-Mentar base, less than a month after seizing control of Idlib, the historic provincial capital there.At least 30 soldiers have been killed and maimed by rebels in al-Mentar base, also known as al-Hajez, field source told Zaman al-Wasl. The opposition groups taking part in the new operation posted a statement online late Wednesday announcing the start of the offensive, which they call "Battle of Victory." They appealed to residents to stay inside "until God grants us and you victory and liberation," AP reported. The conservative Islamic factions, including the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front are attacking government checkpoints in a sprawling agricultural plain south of the town as well as nearby military facilities, according to AP. On Thursday, the Britannia-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Thursday the rebels have taken five checkpoints since the offensive began, including two near Jisr al-Shugour, in fighting that has killed at least eight rebels and an unknown number of government troops. The operation keeps the pressure on beleaguered government forces in the area just weeks after the rebels captured Idlib city, the historic provincial capital. Forces loyal to Bashir al-Assad maintain control of Jisr al-Shughour as well as towns and military facilities in the province, but their hold looks increasingly shaky.
Posted by: Fred 2015-04-25 |
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