The Syrian army reported significant casualties following a major attack by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels in Aleppo, marking a significant challenge to President Assad. Russia's air force supported Assad's troops with airstrikes. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, once known as the Nusra Front, has taken control of much of the city, including government centers and prisons, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Syrian army said on Saturday dozens of its soldiers had been killed in a major attack led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo , forcing the army to redeploy in the biggest challenge to President Bashar al- Assad in years. Russia's defence ministry said its air force carried out strikes on rebels in support of Assad 's army, Russian news agencies reported.
The Syrian military command said militants had attacked in large numbers and from multiple directions, prompting "our armed forces to carry out a redeployment operation aimed at strengthening the defence lines in order to absorb the attack, preserve the lives of civilians and soldiers". The rebels also took control of Aleppo airport, according to a statement by their operations room and a security source.
SYRIA ASSAD HAYAT TAHRIR AL-SHAM ALEPPO RUSSIA
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