SYRIA Fierce fighting over a Syrian military base in the opposition-held northeast city of Raqqa has killed an estimated 24 rebel fighters. Opposition forces launched an assault on Base 17, but government troops have reportedly maintained control of the complex. Outside the city of Aleppo, an estimated 15 pro-government militiamen were killed in clashes with Islamist factions, including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al-Nusra Front, over the regime-held Base 80. In efforts to counter a recent government offensive and battlefield gains, Islamist groups are calling for unification. ISIS spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adani al-Shami said, We call for all jihadist leaders and soldiers and people to accelerate in joining the project. Meanwhile, six other Islamist groups including Liwa al-Tawhid, Ahrar al-Sham, the Army of Islam, Suqour al-Sham, Liwa al-Haq, and the Ansar al-Sham battalions have reportedly merged. The United States is continuing to push for a peace conference in Geneva, and is urging Syrias main opposition coalition to select people who might be able to form a transition government. The United States hopes determining an acceptable alternative will convince Russia to drop support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 15:08:50 +0000
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