2012 Aleppo Governorate clashes
{{Short description|2012 series of battles}}
{{infobox military conflict
| conflict = 2012 Aleppo Governorate clashes
| partof = the early insurgency phase of the Syrian civil war
| image = Azaz Syria during the Syrian Civil War Missing front of House.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = Aftermath of aerial bombardment by the Syrian Air Force in Azaz, 18 August 2012.
| date = 10 February – 19 July 2012
({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=02|day1=10|year1=2012|month2=07|day2=19|year2=2012}})
| place = Aleppo Governorate, Syria
| coordinates =
| map_type =
| latitude =
| longitude =
| map_size =
| map_caption =
| map_label =
| territory = * Rebels takes control of Azaz, al-Bab, Manbij, Jarabulus, Tell Rifaat, Anadan, Darat Izza, Atarib and other towns north of Aleppo city
- YPG takes control of Kobanî
- Culmination in the battle of Aleppo city
| result = Rebel victory
| status =
| combatant1 = {{tree list}}
- {{flag|Syrian Opposition}}
- {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Free Syrian Army
- {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Al-Nusra Front.svg}} Al-Nusra Front{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=7}}
- {{flagicon image|People's Protection Units Flag (2011-2012).svg|border=no}} People's Protection Units
{{tree list/end}}
| combatant2 = {{flagicon|Syria|1980}} Syrian Government
| commander1 = {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Col. Obaid Mohammad Obaid{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|pp=4, 5}}
{{small|(Aleppo Military Council)}}
{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Maj. Mohammed Hamadeen{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|pp=1, 5}}
{{small|(Free North Brigade, Aleppo Military Council)}}
{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Col. Abdul-Jabar Mohammed Egeydi{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=3}}
{{small|(Amr ibn al-A'as Battalion)}}
{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} 1st Lt. Rifaat Khalil{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=4}}
{{small|(Muthanna ibn Haritha Battalion)}}
| commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} Unknown
| units1 = {{tree list}}
- {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Free Syrian Army
- Aleppo Military Council{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|pp=1, 2}}
- Free North Brigade{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|pp=1–3, 5}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.almjhar.com/ar-sy/NewsView/2212/46023/_%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1_%D8%AA%D8%B4%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%84_%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1_%D9%8A%D8%B6%D9%85_%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AB%D8%B1_%D9%85%D9%86_1500_%D8%B4%D8%AE%D8%B5_%D8%A3%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82_%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87_%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%85_%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%AF_%D8%A8%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8_.aspx|title="Pictures" to form a brigade of more than / 1500 / person called the banner of "unification" in Aleppo name ..!|work=Al-Mijhar|date=19 July 2012}}
- Darat Izza Brigade{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|pp=5, 6}}
- Fursan al Jabal Brigade{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=5}}
- Muthanna ibn Haritha Battalion{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=4}}
- Ghuraba al-Sham Battalion{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=5}}
- Dir al-Wafa Battalion{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=5}}
- Amr ibn al-A'as Battalion{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|pp=3, 4, 8}}
- Halab al-Madina Brigade{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=8}}
- Syrian Liberation Army
{{tree list/end}}
| units2 = {{tree list}}
- {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} Syrian Armed Forces
- {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} Syrian Army
- 6th Division
- 12th Armoured Brigade
- 11th Mechanised Brigade
- 80th Army Brigade
- 2nd Reserve Division
- 19th Mechanised Brigade
- Infantry Border Guard Brigade
- 99th Army Regiment
- 111th Army Regiment
- 15th Division
- 46th Army Regiment
- {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Air Force.svg}} Syrian Air Force
- 4th Flying Training Squadron{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=7}}
- Security Agencies
- Shabiha{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=6}}
- Berri clan militias{{sfnp|Bolling|2012|p=6}}
{{tree list/end}}
| strength1 = 6,000 fighters
| strength2 = 18,000 soldiers
300+ tanks
| casualties1 = 441 fighters killed[http://syrianshuhada.com/?lang=en& Syrian Martyrs شهداء سورية] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404195534/http://www.syrianshuhada.com/?lang=en& |date=2016-04-04 }}
3 tanks lost
| casualties2 = 1,659 soldiers killed
132 armoured vehicles destroyed
1 Su-22 jet bomber shot down
1 MiG-23 jet shot down
2 L-39 jet shot down
3 Mi-17 helicopters shot down.
| casualties3 = at least 50 civilians killed
| notes =
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox early insurgency phase of the Syrian Civil War|state=collapsed}}{{Campaignbox Battle of Aleppo}}
}}
The 2012 Aleppo Governorate clashes were a series of battles as part of the early insurgency phase of the Syrian civil war in the Aleppo Governorate of Syria.
The clashes began following the twin bombings in Aleppo city on 10 February 2012, which were conducted by the jihadist anti-government organisation, the Al-Nusra Front. Over the next five months, major clashes left large parts of the rural countryside under rebel control, with the capital of the province, Aleppo city, still being firmly under government control. On 19 July, rebel forces stormed the city and a battle for control of Syria's largest city and economic hub had begun.
Background
There were anti-government protests in Aleppo, reported since 13 April 2011.{{cite news |title=Syrian protests spread to Aleppo |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141315543918716.html |date=13 April 2011|access-date=13 April 2011}} However, the city itself was mostly peaceful and spared the violence of the war, unlike the rest of the country, being a government stronghold for the better part of the first year of the conflict.{{cite web |url=http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/08/07/lone-survivor-describes-aleppo-mass-killings/ |title=Lone survivor describes Aleppo mass killings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216213110/http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/08/07/lone-survivor-describes-aleppo-mass-killings/ |archive-date=2013-12-16}}[https://archive.today/20130204103103/http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Survivor-describes-new-Syria-mass-killing-3766717.php Survivor describes new Syria mass killing]
Anti-government activists called for a huge turnout on 30 June, although two small protests were held that day with only 1,000 demonstrators showing up.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13977689 | work=BBC News | title=Syria unrest: Protests in Aleppo as troops comb border | date=30 June 2011}} On 12 August, Syrian security forces fired at protesters in the Sakhur neighborhood, killing four people.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/12/syria-violence-spreads-aleppo | location=London | work=The Guardian | first1=Nour | last1=Ali | first2=Martin | last2=Chulov | title=Syria violence spreads to commercial capital Aleppo | date=12 August 2011}} On 17 August, "thousands" protested in the central square (Saadallah al-Jabiri square) of Aleppo and in other parts of the city. Opposition activists claimed that the security forces again opened fire at the protesters.{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/18/162817.html |title=Syrian forces kill 16 in Homs, thousands protest in Aleppo |publisher=English.alarabiya.net |date=2011-08-18 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818060407/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/18/162817.html |archive-date=2011-08-18 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.democracynow.org/2011/8/18/headlines/syrian_forces_widen_crackdown_on_opposition |title=Syrian Forces Widen Crackdown on Opposition |publisher=Democracynow.org |date=2011-08-18 |access-date=2012-07-11}} On 6 September, there were reportedly huge crowds (20,000–40,000) protesting against the government after the killing of the Syrian Sunni Sheikh Ibrahim Salqini.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/09/syria-aleppo-sunni-cleric.html |title=SYRIA: Death of popular Sunni cleric stirs unrest in Aleppo – latimes.com |publisher=Latimesblogs.latimes.com |date=2011-09-06 |access-date=2012-07-11}}
On 27 September, the government stormed Aleppo with tanks.{{cite news| url=https://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/27/world/meast/syria-unrest/ | work=CNN | title=Security forces storm Syrian city of Aleppo, activist group says | date=27 September 2011}}
On 21 December, four protests were reportedly held at the university, where a student at the Faculty of Science was reportedly killed by government forces.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-dec-21-2011-2155 |title=Syria Live Blog Wed, 21 Dec 2011, 18:55 |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2011-12-21 |access-date=2012-07-11}}
Bombings
On 6 January 2012, the head of the National Organization for Human Rights in Syria warned that the government was plotting a bombing in the city, "just to terrorize the people". Ammar Qurabi told Al Arabiya that he had learned about the alleged plot from Syrian security officials. This came after bombings in Damascus in December 2011 and in January 2012. Qurabi and other opposition groups accused the government of staging those attacks to justify its crackdown on the uprising.{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/01/06/186757.html |title=Syrian opposition figure says Assad's regime plotting a massive blast in Aleppo |publisher=English.alarabiya.net |date=2012-01-06 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922052630/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/01/06/186757.html |archive-date=2012-09-22 |url-status=dead }}
On 10 February, twin bomb attacks targeted the military intelligence building in Aleppo and killed 24 members of the security forces.[https://web.archive.org/web/20191206134225/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/blasts-hit-security-headquarters-in-syrian-city-that-has-stood-by-assad-state-tv-says-25-dead/2012/02/10/gIQAvenl3Q_story.html Syria says suicide bombers kill 28 in attacks on security HQs in Aleppo]
Armed clashes
File:Aleppo Governorate clashes (2012) (within Northern Syria).svg
File:Azaz Syria during the Syrian Civil War Wide Angel of Damage.jpg
On 14 February, five army soldiers, including two officers, were killed in fighting on the outskirts of Aleppo.{{cite web|url=http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2012/02/14/400598.htm |title=Syrian Arab news agency – SANA – Syria : Syria news :: |publisher=Sana.sy |date=2012-02-14 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218052122/http://sana.sy/eng/337/2012/02/14/400598.htm |archive-date=2012-02-18}}
During March, the northern city of Azaz in the region of Aleppo experienced heavy fighting, with three soldiers being killed on 23 March.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-mar-23-2012-0807 |title=Syria – Mar 23, 2012 – 08:07 – Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2012-03-23 |access-date=2012-07-11}} Activists posted a video showing what appears to be a helicopter engaged in a firefight over the town.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-mar-23-2012-1020 |title=Syria – Mar 23, 2012 – 10:20 – Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2012-03-23 |access-date=2012-07-11}} A rebel or civilian was also reported killed during the heavy fighting in Azaz.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-mar-23-2012-1744 |title=Syria – Mar 23, 2012 – 17:44 – Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2012-03-23 |access-date=2012-07-11}}
According to state media, two colonels were killed in Aleppo in late March.[http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/2-syrian-colonels-gunned-down-in-northern-city-1.3627294]{{Dead link|date=July 2012}}
A general of the air force intelligence was killed in Aleppo on his way to work, according to the Syrian government.{{cite web|url=http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2012/03/28/408914.htm |title=Syrian Arab news agency – SANA – Syria : Syria news :: |publisher=Sana.sy |date=2012-03-28 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328173207/http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2012/03/28/408914.htm |archive-date=2012-03-28}}
An army intelligence base and air force base were attacked in northern Aleppo province, killing three soldiers including an officer.{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/07/205941.html |title=Clashes, killing continue in Syria despite pullback pledge and U.N. chief's rebuke |publisher=English.alarabiya.net |date=2012-04-07 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626013848/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/07/205941.html |archive-date=2012-06-26 |url-status=dead }}
On 6 April, seven civilians and four soldiers were killed north of Aleppo.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-apr-6-2012-1752 |title=Syria – Apr 6, 2012 – 17:52 – Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2012-04-06 |access-date=2012-07-11}} Two soldiers were killed on 12 April.{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9199605/Syria-cease-fire-Live.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first1=Ruth | last1=Sherlock | first2=Richard | last2=Spencer | first3=Lucy | last3=Jones | title=Syria ceasefire: latest | date=12 April 2012}}
On 21 April, heavy clashes occurred in the early morning between opposition fighters and the Syrian army in Aleppo province. At least 14 Syrian army soldiers and one opposition officer were said to have been killed in the fighting. A Syrian army weapons cache and two cannons were said to have been destroyed by the opposition fighters, another cannon was seized from the army. They also said to have destroyed two armoured vehicles at a Syrian army checkpoint and attacked a Syrian helicopter.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/topic/syria/fourteen-syrian-army-soldiers-killed-heavy-fighting-aleppo-province-activists-say |title=Fourteen Syrian army soldiers killed in heavy fighting in Aleppo province, activists say – Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2012-06-21 |access-date=2012-07-11}}
On 22 April, 26 members of the pro-government militia called the {{Transliteration|ar|italic=no|shabibha}}, accused of the worst massacres during the conflict, were killed, and video footage showing their bodies was posted online by the rebel Free Syrian army.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/06/201262210113949697.html |title=Fighters 'kill 26 members of pro-Assad group' |publisher=Aljazeera.com |access-date=2012-07-11}}
On 23 April, a bomb struck a convoy carrying army officers and cadets, killing at least one officer according to state media. 42 others were also injured, some in critical condition.{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/23/209613.html |title=Assad's forces kill 80 nationwide despite presence of U.N. monitors |publisher=English.alarabiya.net |date=2012-04-23 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424022248/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/23/209613.html |archive-date=2012-04-24 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2012/04/23/414153.htm |title=Syrian Arab news agency – SANA – Syria : Syria news :: |publisher=Sana.sy |date=2012-04-23 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605001113/http://sana.sy/eng/337/2012/04/23/414153.htm |archive-date=2012-06-05}}
On 24 April, 16 soldiers were killed in many different clashes around Aleppo.{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/24/222384.html |title=Iran urges restraint between Turkey and Syria; 16 troops killed in Syria |publisher=English.alarabiya.net |date=2012-06-24 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629063259/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/24/222384.html |archive-date=2012-06-29 |url-status=dead }} On the same day, rebels reported that they captured a military base near the rebel-controlled town of Daret Azzeh. Sixteen government soldiers reportedly died during the attack after which rebels looted large amounts of ammunition, including hundreds of artillery shells. The Army retaliated by intense strikes from military gunships on the local area.{{cite web|url=http://www.wtvq.com/news/world/story/Syrian-troops-capture-army-base/5d5AJMQwG0SpElcFairf4g.cspx |title=Syrian troops capture army base |publisher=Wtvq.com |access-date=2012-07-11}}{{Dead link|date=October 2014}}
On April 28, three security force members were killed and two others injured in the Aleppo countryside.{{cite web|url=http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2012/04/28/415455.htm |title=Syrian Arab news agency – SANA – Syria : Syria news :: |publisher=Sana.sy |date=2012-04-28 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506222536/http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2012/04/28/415455.htm |archive-date=2012-05-06}}
On 29 April, it was reported that four soldiers died in a blast in a military centre in Aleppo province.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-apr-29-2012-1658 |title=Syria – Apr 29, 2012 – 16:58 – Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2012-04-29 |access-date=2012-07-11}}
On 2 May, 15 soldiers were killed in Northern Aleppo, including two colonels. Two rebels also died in the attack near Al-Rai village, after the military forces had "scaled up military operations" there in the days since the truce took effect on April 12, said the S.O.H.R group In Syria.{{cite web |url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=392085#ixzz1tnM4msZj |title=Deadliest day for Syrian troops as monitors fan out |publisher=Nowlebanon.com |date=2012-05-03 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508122859/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=392085#ixzz1tnM4msZj |archive-date=2012-05-08 |url-status=dead }}
On 3 May, days after four university students were killed by the pro-government military {{Transliteration|ar|italic=no|shabibha}} in anti-government protests. It was reported that 15,000 students protested at the university on 17 may, in the presence of U.N observers. After this incident, on 18 May 2012 the biggest anti-government demonstrations that had ever taken place in Aleppo were reported. Anti-government groups called it a real uprising in Aleppo. In two districts alone, there were reportedly over 10,000 protesters, among thousands of others in the other districts. Tear gas and live ammunition was used by security forces to disperse it.{{cite news|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/largest-protests-yet-in-syrian-city-aleppo-20120519-1ywul.html |title=Largest protests yet in Syrian city Aleppo |publisher=News.smh.com.au |date=2012-05-19 |access-date=2012-07-11}} At least one protester died on 17 may, while an army officer was killed by an explosion in the city.{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/19/215036.html |title=Damascus accuses Lebanon of 'incubating' terrorists along the border |publisher=English.alarabiya.net |date=2012-05-19 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603080748/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/19/215036.html |archive-date=2012-06-03 |url-status=dead }}
Eighteen soldiers were killed near Atareb town in Aleppo province, the fighting destroyed tanks and armoured personnel carriers, according to the Syrian Observatory for human rights.{{cite web |url=http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1192255/ |title=Clashes kill 18 troops in Syria |publisher=Brecorder.com |date=2012-05-22 |access-date=2012-07-11 |archive-date=2014-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305165443/http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1192255/ |url-status=dead }}
Army tanks were reportedly deployed for the first time in Aleppo, where 12 massive anti-government protests were held in one day.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/aleppo-may-25-2012-2236 |title=Aleppo – May 25, 2012 – 22:36 – Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date=2012-05-25 |access-date=2012-07-11}}
Two soldiers were killed and five injured after an explosion on 3 May. Also, a man identified as "the brother of a Syrian MP" was shot dead, with SOHR quoting anti-government activists as saying "the man's family is very loyal to the government and has participated in the repression of protests".{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/05/201253115147529764.html |title=Russia and US trade blows over Syria |publisher=Aljazeera.com |access-date=2012-07-11}}File:Aleppo offensive (July 2012).svgRural Aleppo towns and the outskirts of Aleppo city were bombarded by the army in early July. The State-controlled media agency, SANA, claimed that eight rebels were killed and 6 of their armed pick up trucks destroyed by the Syrian army on July 5.{{cite news|last=Holmes |first=Oliver |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8610SH20120707 |title=Syria's fighting spills into Lebanon, five killed |publisher=Reuters |date= 2012-07-07|access-date=2012-07-11}}
On 9 July, two soldiers were killed by an IED in Aleppo. A further four soldiers were killed when trying to enter the opposition controlled town of Azaz.{{cite web|url=http://supportkurds.org/news/monday-9-july-2012/ |title=Monday 9 July 2012 : Support Kurds in Syria |publisher=Supportkurds.org |access-date=2012-07-11}}
On 12 July, three soldiers were killed in Aleppo.[http://supportkurds.org/news/wednesday-11-july-2012/ Wednesday 11 July 2012 : Support Kurds in Syria]
On 16 July, 13 soldiers, including an officer, were killed when a government checkpoint was attacked by rebel fighters, and during clashes, in the area of Tel Selour, outside Aleppo.[http://supportkurds.org/news/saturday-14-july-2012/ Saturday 14 July 2012 : Support Kurds in Syria]
Aftermath
{{main|Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)}}
File:Aleppo Governorate (August 15 2012).svg
File:Azaz Syria during the Syrian Civil War Displacement with Tractor.jpg
On 19 July, the battle for Aleppo city started. Clashes began with an offensive by the Free Syrian Army against the city, primarily the Salaheddine district.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jul/22/syrian-rebels-fight-aleppo?newsfeed=true |title=Syrian rebels fight Assad troops in Aleppo |author=Luke Harding and Martin Chulov |date=22 July 2012 |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 July 2012 |location=London}}
As the fighting in Aleppo city continued, near the rebel-held town of Atareb rebel fighters made a failed attack against a government-controlled police school. 12 rebels were killed, including a local brigade commander Ahmed el Faj.[https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/23/world/meast/syria-street-of-death/?hpt=wo_c1 A Syrian town's 'Street of Death']
On 21 July, fighting was still raging in the Salaheddine district, with the army trying to storm it with troops and armored vehicles. Meanwhile, clashes started in the poorer, tribal district of al-Sakhour. Hundreds of families were forced to flee as commercial city has been slowly turned into a war zone.[http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/first-time-we-feel-aleppo-has-turned-battle-zone-housewife-aleppo-says Al Jazeera Live Blog – Syria 21.7.2012]
On 23 July, it was confirmed that the FSA had finally taken control of Azaz.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/jul/23/syria-damascus-aleppo-battles-live#block-10 | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Matthew | last=Weaver | title=Syria crisis: chemical weapon warning – Monday 23 July 2012 | date=2012-07-23}} They said that 17 government tanks had been destroyed and one captured, a journalist in the area counted 7 destroyed tanks.[http://news.sky.com/story/963723/syria-the-arab-spring-arrives-in-azaz Syria: The Arab Spring Arrives In Azaz]
In the Aleppo countryside, the FSA rapidly gained ground in late July[http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/syrias-aleppo-province-balance-power-changing-fast In Syria's Aleppo province, the balance of power is changing fast] and captured members of the military intelligence.[http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/jailers-syrias-aleppo-become-prisoners-war Jailers in Syria's Aleppo become prisoners of war] Footage showed rebels riding around the town of Al-Bab in a tank{{cite web |url=http://www.ktul.com/story/19139614/syria-troops-shell-aleppo-neighborhoods |title=Syria's rebels hold Aleppo neighborhoods |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801012459/http://www.ktul.com/story/19139614/syria-troops-shell-aleppo-neighborhoods |archive-date=2012-08-01}} and howitzer artillery that they had captured from an army base. Captured soldiers said that 30 soldiers had been killed in Al-Bab in the past week and it was later reported that the last army base in the Aleppo countryside, on the outskirts of Al-Bab, was taken by the opposition.[http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2012/07/201273154349545922.html Rebels claim victory in Syria's al-Bab town]
On 15 August, Syrian fighter jets conducted two devastating bombing runs on the rebel-held town of Azaz, flattening a string of houses and killing at least 20 people including children with a little girl who had been killed in the strike being brought to the hospital and at least 10 houses were flattened in the bombardment. "This was a civilian area. All these houses were packed with women and children sleeping during the fast," said witness Abu Omar, a civil engineer in his 50s, referring to the dawn-to-dusk fast Muslims observe during Ramadan. Witnesses and FSA forces who reinforced security around the town after the strike said the jet fired twice, targeting a makeshift media centre used by foreign reporters in the second, smaller strike. Dozens of people, many wailing and shouting, were climbing over the rubble, trying to pull out victims. Witnesses said the bomb must have weighed at least half a tonne and the impact shattered windows up to four blocks away. Residents insisted there was no rebel base where the bomb struck, but some said the families of FSA fighters lived there. "It was a massacre, an entire family like mine was exterminated," said one woman who refused to give her name.[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/2012815173313836461.html Syrian warplanes hammer rebel border town] Four Lebanese hostages were reportedly killed.[http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/four-lebanese-hostages-killed-syria-shelling-near-aleppo Four Lebanese hostages killed in Syria shelling near Aleppo] Another report put the death toll at 31 people.{{Cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/08/15/232477.html |title=Syria air strike pummels Aazaz, at least 31 people killed |access-date=2012-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816013409/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/08/15/232477.html |archive-date=2012-08-16 |url-status=dead }}
References
{{reflist}}
Bibliography
- {{cite book
|last=Bolling
|first=Jeffrey
|title= Rebel Groups in Northern Aleppo Province
|url= http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Backgrounder_RebelGroupsNorthernAleppo.pdf
|date= 29 August 2012
|publisher= Institute for the Study of War
|location=Washington, D.C.
}}
{{Syrian civil war}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Aleppo Governorate clashes}}
Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2012
Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the al-Nusra Front
Category:Aleppo Governorate in the Syrian civil war
Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government
Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army