Activists said that clashes broke out between regime forces and Hezbollah militias in northern and southern rural Aleppo on Wednesday. The clashes were followed by airstrikes by regime forces on the positions of Hezbollah militias near Aleppo. The clashes reportedly resulted in casualties on both sides.
Member of Syrian Coalition Samir Nasahar said that the clashes between the two allies were sparked by mounting distrust by both sides and by the escalating losses suffered by Hezbollah in southern rural Aleppo in recent weeks. Nashar expressed hope that this incident would reflect negatively on plans by the Assad regime and its allies to encircle Aleppo.
Nashar quoted rebel sources as saying the clashes, which began by mutual accusations of negligence of duty and by an exchange of sectarian insults, resulted in the death of an officer and seven militants belonging to regime forces. Regime forces responded by launching airstrikes on the Hezbollah positions in the towns of Nubbul and Alzahraa. Clashes later on spread to southern rural Aleppo, particularly near the towns of Khan Touman and Alhadir.
It is not the first time infighting breaks out between regime forces and Hezbollah militias; however, clashes on Wednesday were the first to see the use of jet fighters.
Clashes began at midnight on Wednesday in the towns of Hailan, Almayyasat and Almasafa hill north of Aleppo and continued until Thursday morning. The clashes cut off the Aleppo-Mayer-Nubbul-Alzahraa-Afrin road, according to the local Aleppo Today news outlet. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Alsharq Alawsat)
