Syrian rebels say they foiled regime attack on Abu Zuhour base

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian rebels launched counterattack to recapture territory taken by the regime forces and allied Shiite militias in northwestern Idlib province on Thursday.

The move followed rapid gains by the regime forces are approaching a sprawling rebel-held air base in the northwestern province of Idlib from different directions.

Recapturing the Abu Zuhour air base, which the rebels took in 2015, has been one of the main targets of a major government offensive into Idlib that began in late October.

The attack also aims to secure the road liking the capital, Damascus, with the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest.

A rebel command task said they foiled regime attack on Abu Zuhour base, killing more than 50 troops.

The regime-controlled Syrian Central Military Media said on Wednesday that Syrian troops are fighting militants, including members of al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee, in different areas near Abu Zuhour.

The regime offensive has displaced tens of thousands of people who fled toward areas close to the Turkish border.

Zaman A Wasl