Activists said that rebels took control of a number of regime positions in the district of Al after violent clashes, with reports of high regime losses. This rebel advance followed violent clashes between rebels and regime forces on the outskirts of the towns of Nibbul and Al Zahraa’ near Aleppo and reports of heavy regime losses. The rebel offensive made good ground, as rebels forced their way into regime positions they failed to capture before. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the rebels are seeking through this offensive to alleviate the pressure on the Handarat front in northern Aleppo where regime have been advancing in an attempt to encircle the city. (Source: Syrian Coalition)