'Islamic state' looks for Atareb to extend its emirates

Al-Qaeda affiliate, the 'Islamic State' is planning to capture the town of Atareb, after controlling the border town of Azaz two weeks ago, activists reported to Zaman Alwasl.

Rebels' reaction so far was calling for mobilization all fighters groups in Atareb to confront the coming danger.

The State of Iraq and al-Sham has demanded the rebels based in the town to surrender and to give their weapons, besides allowing its representatives to take a part in the city Shariah court.

Rebel commander talked to Zaman Alwasl on condition of anonymity that rebels had established a military alliance included all brigades and battalions of Atareb and to elect one leader who can lead us to defeat the ISIS.

"We are in state of readiness, we set up many barriers around the town as well we closed the main road driving to city,'' local source told Zaman Alwasl.

 The rise of ISIS in rebel-held areas in northern and eastern Syria has posed a problem for the broader rebel movement. While many insurgents are deeply Islamist themselves, their focus remains on toppling Mr. Assad, and they accuse ISIS of prioritizing its own jihadist agenda over the fight against the president. But the rebels hesitate to confront ISIS, saying their resources are already stretched by fighting the government.

 The Syrian conflict erupted in March 2011 as a popular uprising against Assad that quickly escalated into civil war. More than 115,000 people have been killed since then and millions of Syrians have been displaced.

Rebel groups have become increasingly fractured, with Islamic extremists, including those linked to al-Qaida, assuming prominent roles in battle.