Syrian regime repulses attack on last northern Aleppo strongholds

Syrian regime repulses attack on last northern Aleppo strongholds
Under siege by opposition forces for over two years, pro-regime Nubol and al-Zahraa have been successful in fighting off another attempt by al-Nusra Front to capture the two towns.
2 min read
09 January, 2015
Al-Nusra Front have been on the frontline of the war against the Syrian regime (AFP-Getty)

Opposition forces in Syria launched a three pronged attack on two towns near Aleppo that are under regime control on 8 January.

Al-Nusra Front, backed by fighters from Jaish al-Muhajarin wal Ansar (Army of the Emigrants and Supporters), assaulted the towns of Nobol and al-Zahraa on Thursday afternoon but were repulsed by regime forces and local militias

The al-Qaeda affiliate launched the attack from Mayer, which lies to the east of the pro-regime town of Nubol.

Extremist fighters were successful in storming the first lines of defences and captured several buildings, but were soon forced back by regime soldiers and militias. 

Activist Thaer al-Shamali told al-Araby al-Jadeed that the extremists attacked the town simultaneously with seven tanks, two of which were destroyed by regime forces.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that the clashes saw the forces loyal to Damascus suffer nine fatalities, while al-Nusra lost six fighters in the fighting.

Nubol and Zahraa are the only areas in the northern Aleppo countryside that are still under regime control.

Both have been under siege by opposition fighters for more than two years.

Damascus has set up an air bridge in an attempt keep forces stationed in the two towns supplied with weapons and supplies.

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.