Syrian rebels approach airport

By Zeina Karam

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Feb. 13 2013 9:36 p.m. MST

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Citizen journalism image provided by Aleppo Media Center AMC which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrian rebels stand in the rubble of damaged buildings due to government airstrikes, in the neighborhood of Karam Tarab near Aleppo International Airport, in Aleppo, Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. Syrian rebels fought pitched battles Wednesday against regime forces at a military base that protects a major airport in the country's north in fighting that has left more than 40 government troops dead, opposition activists said. (AP Photo/Aleppo Media Center AMC)

Associated Press

Summary

Syrian rebels knocked down army defenses and moved in on the country's second largest airport Wednesday, reportedly killing more than 40 soldiers and bringing them closer to what could be their biggest conquest since the beginning of the civil war.

BEIRUT — Syrian rebels knocked down army defenses and moved in on the country's second largest airport Wednesday, reportedly killing more than 40 soldiers and bringing them closer to what could be their biggest conquest since the beginning of the civil war.

Control of Aleppo international airport and a military air base next to it would be a huge strategic shift for Syria's northeastern region, giving the opposition a potential air hub enabling aid and other flights.

Still, activists said it could be days before the rebels would be able to push their way into the airport, 4 miles from the contested city center, and even then, it was unclear whether they would be able to retain control of the sprawling facility for long.

— Associated Press

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