9 Islamist groups unite to form Al mujahideen Army in Aleppo

9 Islamist groups have merged in new fighting bloc in Aleppo province, according to Zaman Alwasl source.

The newly formed Al Mujahideen Army consisted of Division 19, Islamic Al Nour Movement, Istakem Kma Amart Gathering, Nor Al din Al Zinki Battalions, Islamic Al Horriya Brigade, Ansar Al Khelafeh Brigade (En: Islamic Caliphate Supporters), Islam Glories Brigade, Alal Ansar Brdiagde and Jond Al Haramein Brigade (En: Soldiers of the Two Holy Mosques).  

Aleppo, Syria's commercial hub and most populous city before the uprising against Assad erupted in 2011, has been witnessing heavy fighting since Assad's forces, backed by Shi'ite militia from Iraq and the Lebanese party Hezbollah, launched an offensive to retake rebel-held areas in the city.

Three months ago, on 22 November 2013, seven Islamist groups agreed to a pact that would dissolve the groups individually and lead to the formation of the Islamic Front.

More than 130,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the conflict in Syria nearly three years ago, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.