A Free Syrian Army fighter takes cover during fighting with the Syrian Army in Azaz, Syria. — Photo by AP/File

BEIRUT: Syrian activists and state media are reporting intense fighting around a strategic air base in the country's north.  

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says rebels stormed parts of the Taftanaz air base in the northwestern province of Idlib before withdrawing.

The state-run SANA news agency said government forces protecting the base ''repelled the terrorists' attempt to attack the airport'' and inflicted heavy losses.

The Observatory says attacks by the rebels resumed early Thursday in an attempt to capture the base. Several efforts in recent months to take the Taftanaz facility have failed.

Syrian rebels have been attacking five air bases in Idlib and the nearby province of Aleppo, trying to chip away at the government's air power, which poses the biggest obstacle to advances by opposition fighters.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...