Assad forces make gains, close to break siege of Shii'te villages

ALEPPO (Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian regime armed forces have pressed rapid advances in the northern countryside of Aleppo province, seeking to break the siege imposed by Islamic rebels on two Shi’ite towns, Zaman al-Wasl reporter said.

Rebel commanders and media activists warned of recent advances by regime forces, saying if army breaks the siege of Nubul and al-Zahra’a towns, the whole city of Aleppo will be isolated in scenario similar to Homs.

Basher al-Assad forces backed by al-Quds brigade, NDF and Hezbollah militia will be able to isolate Aleppo from its countryside if rebels could not thwart its advances, activists said.

Meanwhile, the Syrian observatory for human Rights said clashes had continued between Assad forces and many Islamic battalions and Jabhat al-Nusra in Hendarat area.

Also, regime’s warplanes had carried out raids on towns of Hreitan, Andan and Kafar Hamra, no reports of losses, the observatory said.

More than 191,000 people killed and over 10 million forced to flee their homes.

(Editing by Ridha Ali)