Syria’s rebel fighters seized more territory in northwestern Syria overnight, tightening their grip on Idlib province. They made a series of sweeping gains in Idlib province, capturing a major army position, the town of Muhambel, and several villages in the area between Jisr al-Shughur and Ariha, two key towns already under opposition control. The advance cements their control over that part of the province, almost entirely lost by the Assad regime.
They also continue to hold off ISIS attacks on northern rural Aleppo, inflicting heavy losses on the attackers.
Spokesman for the Syrian Coalition Salem al-Meslet said that the Assad regime and ISIS continue to openly defy all international and humanitarian laws, and even are acting harmoniously against the Syrian people.
“Syrian rebel fighters, thanks to the recent increased cooperation and unity, once again prove that they are the only force capable of defeating extremist groups despite the lack of real support, and although they are fighting on two fronts,” Meslet added.
He pointed to the ongoing explicit coordination between the Assad regime and ISIS, citing Assad air force’s paving of the way for ISIS militants to advance on rebel-held areas in northern Aleppo.
“The recent rebel gains on multiple fronts impose a new political reality that has to be taken into account and be built on for reaching a final and definitive solution that achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people and ends this chapter of the history of Syria.”
“Efforts must be combined to pay the way for initiating a political transition that puts an end to the tragedy caused by the Assad regime and opens the door to reconstruction and the transition of Syria to a civil democratic state.”
Meslet renews confidence in the forces of the revolution that defend civilians and abide by the principles of the revolution and its morals and respect international conventions, while at the same time reiterates the Syrian Coalition’s adherence to the principles and goals of the revolution.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)
