IS advances in northern Aleppo
The towns and villages of northern Aleppo’s countryside have been witnessing heavy clashes between the Islamic State and rebel factions, while Syrian regime aircraft have bombed several sites, thus suggesting cooperation between the regime and IS.
ALEPPO, Syria — The population of the rebel-controlled northern countryside of Aleppo is taking the brunt of Bashar al-Assad’s airstrikes and the Islamic State’s (IS) mortar shells. Al-Jabha al-Shamiya (Shamiya Front), the largest faction in northern Aleppo, is facing a major challenge.
IS has been waging the heaviest attacks on the region since May 31, in an attempt to seize the rebel-controlled towns. Meanwhile, the regime warplanes and helicopters are carrying out unprecedented strikes on the northern towns of Marea, Tall Rifaat and Herbel.
IS’ attack on Aleppo’s northern countryside had been anticipated following the group’s car bomb attacks on April 7 against centers of al-Jabha al-Shamiya, which led to the killing of one of the front’s leaders and 31 other members.
During a surprise attack on May 31, IS managed to take control of the town of Soran and the nearby villages of Tawqli, al-Ball and Ghazal. On June 1, it took control of the villages of Umm al-Qura and Hasajek, south of Marea.
