The Syrian army and local militia destroyed the squads of jihadist groups al-Nusra Front and Jaish al-Islam that were trying to fight out of the northern outskirts of Aleppo, a source in the militia told RIA Novosti on Sunday.
On July 3, the Syrian army regained control over the Mallah farms on the northeastern edge of Aleppo, cutting off jihadist groups’ key supply route between Syria and Turkey.
“Terrorists from Jabhat al-Nusra, Jaish al-Islam and smaller militant groups made a joined attempt to break through the encirclement in the area around the Castillo track in the Mallah farms. The artillery and air support helped us a lot. The attack was very massive, and we would not be able to hold our position without the support,” the source in Aleppo’s militia added.
According to the source, the terrorists began the breakout attempt late on Saturday. Over 20 militants and four militia members were killed in the fight.
Over 40 percent of Aleppo is estimated to be controlled by terrorist groups, including Jaish al-Islam, Ahrar ash-Sham and al-Nusra Front, outlawed in many countries around the world, including Russia.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.
