Islamic State strives for control over Aleppo
Aleppo, Syria – After taking over the Yarmouk neighborhood in southern Damascus, militant fighters of the Islamic State (IS/ISIL) is trying to advance in the northern city of Aleppo. The group has reportedly attacked several districts in Aleppo in the last few days, according to military sources.
The IS militants launched two separate car bomb attacks against rebel headquarters in Aleppo earlier this week, killing more than 30 opposition fighters, including leading members.
On Friday, the group launched an attack against regime-held areas in an Aleppo suburb, local sources reported. No reports of casualties were reported.
“The radical group is attacking both rebels and regime areas, trying to show its capacity of reaching new gains in Aleppo,” a local media activist told ARA News on the condition of anonymity.
“Civilians are mostly concerned with IS attacks, fearing the group’s militants more than pro-regime forces,” he said. “The recent operations by the IS caused a state of panic among civilians across Aleppo province.”
Opposition fighters and pro-regime forces share control over Aleppo’s neighborhoods. IS-led attacks in Aleppo were aimed at extending areas of control in northwestern Syria, after the group was able to secure its power over Raqqa province as well as the Yarmouk camp in southern Damascus.
Reporting by: Laila Majdalawi
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