Syrian Government Troops Launch A Major Attack On Aleppo

Syria Troops Launch Major Offensive In Aleppo -- Al Jazeera

Soldiers retake parts of strategic airbase near international airport in northern province.

Syrian troops have recaptured parts of a military base seized by rebels earlier this year in a fierce fighting near Aleppo international airport, activists say.

Heavy fighting erupted in the early hours of Friday around Base 80 outside Syria's main northern city.

A fighter near the airport called the army offensive the heaviest barrage in more than a year on rebel-held areas near the airport.

"We did not see it coming. The attack came as a real shock to us" he told Al Jazeera.

"There is an insane campaign going on. The regime is employing a scorched-earth policy."

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Update #1: Syrian army closes in on Aleppo after dawn attack -- Reuters
Update #2: Syria army retakes parts of base by Aleppo airport -- Seven News/AFP

My Comment: This is a major push by the Syrian military .... it appears that they are trying to position themselves to ultimately launch an attack on rebel control Aleppo itself.