Syrian forces kill two al-Qaeda leaders, insurgents near Aleppo

Syrian troops celebrate clearing a neighborhood in the capital, Damascus, of insurgents. (File photo)

Source: Press TV

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/08/08/255100/alqaeda-leaders-rebels-killed-in-syria/

Syrian security forces have killed two local al-Qaeda leaders and nearly two dozen foreign-sponsored insurgents in clashes near the northwestern city of Aleppo, Press TV reports.

The security forces carried out an operation in the town of Tal Rafa’at, about 38 kilometers (23 miles) north of Aleppo, on Tuesday, killing the al-Qaeda leaders.

The government troops also killed at least 20 insurgents during clashes in a rural area near Aleppo.

Meanwhile, fighting continues between the Syrian army and the insurgents in several areas of Aleppo, including the northern neighborhood of Ashrafyiah, the southern district of Sokkari and the central area of Seif al-Dowla.

Reports say the insurgents have also attacked the police department in the city.

Similar clashes have also been reported in the western city of Homs over the past few days.

Many people, including large numbers of security forces, have been killed in the turmoil in Syria that began in March 2011.

On August 5, US senators John McCain, Joseph Lieberman and Lindsey Graham said Washington should “directly and openly” provide assistance, including weapons, intelligence and training, to the insurgents in Syria.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on August 1 that the country is engaged in a “crucial and heroic” battle that will determine the destiny of the nation.