A Blow to Ankara: Syrian Army Makes Advances in Aleppo Offensive | Al Akhbar English
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/blow-ankara-syrian-army-makes-advances-aleppo-offensive
Opening several fronts deprived opposition fighters of the ability to focus on Jamiat al-Zahraa and al-Rashidin al-Rabia neighborhood west of Aleppo, which enabled Air Force intelligence forces stationed in the area to advance and control seven urban blocks in the vicinity of the Air Force Intelligence building and al-Rasoul al-Azam Mosque. The army was also able to advance in al-Rashidin al-Rabia while opposition fighters failed to ease the pressure on the city of Aleppo fronts by trying to infiltrate the Bustan al-Qasr, al-Qalaa and Old Aleppo fronts. The battles subsided with the approaching sunset, except for the Ratyan front where the fighting continued between the two sides until midnight. The battles subsided but did not end. Military leaders, meanwhile, stress that the decision to break the siege around Nubl and al-Zahraa is final and completely encircling the city of Aleppo is irreversible, and that it should be completed before de Mistura’s plan is implemented