Aleppo offensive (October–December 2013)

In June 2013, after their strategic capture of al-Qusayr, government forces launched an offensive called Northern Storm in Aleppo Province aimed at securing supply lines between disparate patches of control in the province. However, increased rebel pressure in Homs Province led the government to abandon the offensive and redeploy its troops there, leaving its supply lines to Aleppo city vulnerable to attack.

Later in the summer, rebels capitalised on this strategic weakness. In late July, rebels launched an offensive west of Aleppo city culminating in the capture of several suburbs and a massacre of captured government soldiers, and on 5 August, the long-besieged Menagh Airbase in the north of the province fell to the rebels. On 26 August, rebels captured the strategic town of Khanasir, thus cutting the government's last land supply route to the contested city of Aleppo.{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/08/2013826124946176888.html|title=Syria rebels take control of strategic town|date=26 August 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=17 October 2013|archive-date=5 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605144554/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/08/2013826124946176888.html|url-status=live}}

Rebels then turned their sights to the government-controlled southern countryside of Aleppo. On 20 September, a coalition of at least ten rebel groups led by Ahrar ash-Sham and the Tawhid Brigade launched an offensive called [http://quran.com/100 wal-'Adiyat Dabha] against government positions between the southern edge of the city and the defence factories outside of rebel-held Al-Safira. In the first six days of the offensive, rebels made significant advances, claiming to have captured at least 25 villages.Names of villages (from The Institute for the Study of War): Kafr Hout, al-Zaraa, Kafr Kar, Banan al-Has, Sarj Far'a, Balouza, Burj 'Azawi, Madrasa village, Im Jaran, Qanatrat, Samaria, Maghriyat al-Shebli, al-Mayan, al-Manatir, Rasm al-Safa, Rasm Humud, Mazraa Ali Hussein, Diyman, Sada’aya, Rasm al-Shih, Mazraa al-Ayoub, Rasm al-Hilwa, Tayeba, Rasm 'Akirish, and al-Sufayrah In response, government forces from Aleppo International Airport redeployed south to counter the rebel offensive.{{cite web|url=https://www.iswresearch.org/2013/09/the-wal-adiyat-dabha-offensive-in.html?m=0|title=The wal-'Adiyat Dabha Offensive in Southern Aleppo|last=Caris|first=Charlie|author2=Isabel Nassief|date=26 September 2013|publisher=Institute for the Study of War|access-date=9 January 2025}}

To reopen supply lines to Aleppo city, the government launched a counteroffensive along the so-called "Desert Road" between Aleppo and Salamiyah, dispatching a large convoy from the latter backed with heavy air support. Khanasir, captured by rebels in August, was the first major objective of the Army as it occupies a critical chokepoint on the road.

On 1 October, the shelling of Khanasir and fighting between the Army and rebels in the vicinity of the town killed at least 20 rebel fighters. The village of Jub al-Ghaws, near of Khanasir was bombed by helicopters while, according to SOHR, rebel fighters hit a fighter airplane above Khanasir.{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/tuesday-1-october-2013/ |title=Tuesday 1 October 2013 |publisher=Supportkurds.org |date=2 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131203191741/http://supportkurds.org/news/tuesday-1-october-2013/ |url-status=live }}

On 2 October, according to SOHR, the Syrian Army progressed in Khanasir, taking control of parts of the city while a large number of rebel positions were hit by the Air Force in the province; al-Atareb, Khan al-A'sal, Kafrnaha and Minnegh military airport.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}

On 3 October, the Army took back control of Khanasir, with at least 25 rebel fighters and 18 pro-government militiamen being killed between 1 and 2 October. However, the military had not yet reopened the highway to Aleppo.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/in-focus/syria/syria-army-retakes-northern-strategic-town-1.1238911 |title=Syria army retakes northern strategic town |publisher=Gulfnews.com |date=3 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004064006/http://gulfnews.com/in-focus/syria/syria-army-retakes-northern-strategic-town-1.1238911 |archive-date=4 October 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/wednesday-2-october-2013/ |title=Wednesday 2 October 2013 |publisher=Supportkurds.org |date=3 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131111140940/http://supportkurds.org/news/wednesday-2-october-2013/ |url-status=live }}

On 4 October, eight rebels were killed during fighting with the Army in the al-Hmeira mountain, near al-Safira.{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/friday-4-october-2013/ |title=Friday 4 October 2013 |publisher=Supportkurds.org |date=5 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131111141023/http://supportkurds.org/news/friday-4-october-2013/ |url-status=live }}

On 7 October, the Army managed to reopen the supply route between Aleppo and Khanasir, capturing many surrounding villages{{cite web |url=http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/92310948 |title=Syria Live Blog |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=7 October 2013 |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=12 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512020612/http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/92310948 |url-status=live }} like Rasm Okeiresh, Rasm al-Sheikh, Rasm al-Helou, Rasm Bakrou, al-Wawiyeh, Rasm al-Safa, Barzanieh, Jalagheem, Zarraa, and Kafar Akkad,{{cite web |url=http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syrian-army-ends-opposition-siege-aleppo |title=Syrian Army Ends Opposition Siege on Aleppo |publisher=Al Akhbar (Lebanon) |date=8 October 2013 |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608081951/http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syrian-army-ends-opposition-siege-aleppo |archive-date=8 June 2015 |url-status=dead }} breaking the siege of Aleppo. According to a governorate source, convoys carrying flour, food supplies, and fuel, went to Aleppo.

On 9 October, rebels massacred government soldiers in a village that had only just been captured by the Army.{{cite web|last=Dagher |first=Sam |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303382004579127881524159704 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011071222/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303382004579127881524159704.html |archive-date=11 October 2013 |title=Battles Rage Around Syria Chemical Weapons Sites |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=11 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014}} Elsewhere in the governorate, the Army took the control of other villages; Al-Hamam, Al-Qurbatiy and rebels retreating to Al-Qintein and Al-Bouz.{{cite web |url=http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2013/10/09/news-regime-forces-control-hama-aleppo-highway |title=Regime forces control the Hama-Aleppo highway |publisher=Syria Newsdesk |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016213740/http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2013/10/09/news-regime-forces-control-hama-aleppo-highway |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}

File:1alep.png

On 10 October, heavy Army shelling and airstrikes on the rebel-held town al-Safira killed 16-18 civilians. One of the areas that was hit was the town's market. According to one rebel, if opposition forces lost control of al-Safira everything they had accomplished over the previous year in Aleppo would be lost in a matter of days.{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/thursday-10-october-2013/ |title=Thursday 10 October 2013 |publisher=Supportkurds.org |date=11 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=25 October 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131025150450/http://supportkurds.org/news/thursday-10-october-2013/ |url-status=live }}

On 11 October, after clashes, the Army captured the village of Abu Jurayn, south of al-Safira.{{cite news |url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/837206/syrie-violents-combats-pres-dun-site-chimique-presume.html |title=Syrie: violents combats près d'un site chimique présumé |publisher=L'Orient-Le Jour |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221165642/https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/837206/syrie-violents-combats-pres-dun-site-chimique-presume.html |url-status=live }}

On 17 and 18 October, heavy Army shelling of the rebel-held Kurdish town of Tell Aran left 21 civilians dead. 11 others were also injured. The town had been captured from Kurdish militants by jihadist rebels earlier in July.

From 8 to 25 October, 76 people had been killed by the shelling on al-Safira.{{cite web |url=http://www.startribune.com/world/229227061.html |title=Syrian media say troops ambush, kill 40 rebels near Damascus; Kurdish fighters battle jihadis |publisher=Startribune.com |date=25 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=1 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201024854/http://www.startribune.com/world/229227061.html |url-status=live }} More than 130,000 people fled the city.{{cite web |url=http://www.msf.org/article/syria-civilians-forced-flee-al-safira-under-heavy-bombardment |title=Syria: Civilians forced to flee Al Safira under heavy bombardment |publisher=Msf.org |date=25 October 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019062229/http://www.msf.org/article/syria-civilians-forced-flee-al-safira-under-heavy-bombardment |url-status=live }}

On 30 October, the Syrian Army entered al-Safira and took over several buildings in the southern part of the city and also advanced on the eastern side the next day.{{cite web |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-01/236453-government-pushes-ahead-with-campaign-in-aleppo-damascus.ashx#axzz2jayn9oCh |title=Government pushes ahead with campaign in Aleppo, Damascus |publisher=Dailystar.com.lb |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111214935/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-01/236453-government-pushes-ahead-with-campaign-in-aleppo-damascus.ashx#axzz2jayn9oCh |url-status=dead }} By the morning of 1 November, the Army captured the town.{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-01/236495-syrian-forces-capture-town-near-chemical-weapons-site-activists.ashx#axzz2hs2ziHUm|title=Syrian forces capture town near chemical weapons site: Activists|work=Daily Star|date=1 November 2013|access-date=1 November 2013|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091428/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-01/236495-syrian-forces-capture-town-near-chemical-weapons-site-activists.ashx#axzz2hs2ziHUm|url-status=live}}

On 2 November, the Army, supported by Hezbollah officers,{{cite web |url=http://syriahr.net/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1081&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Up4m58RDufU |title=the Regular forces took hold of the al-A'ziziya village |publisher=Syriahr.net |date=2 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213181515/http://syriahr.net/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1081&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Up4m58RDufU |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=dead }} captured the village of Aziziyeh on the northern outskirts of Safira.{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/warplanes-strike-rebel-area-near-damascus-monitor-143404251.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104234935/http://news.yahoo.com/warplanes-strike-rebel-area-near-damascus-monitor-143404251.html |archive-date=4 November 2013 |title=Air raids on rebel areas near Damascus, Kurds advance: NGO|work=Agence France Presse|publisher=Yahoo! News}}

File:Abdul Jabbar al-Oqaidi (2012).png, FSA top commander for Aleppo, resigned during the offensive in protest against the disunity among the rebel forces ]]

On 4 November, following the loss of Al-Safira, the Free Syrian Army commander for the province of Aleppo, Abdul Jabbar al-Oqaidi, resigned.

On 6 November, the Army captured most of the Kurdish town of Tell Aran, forcing opposition fighters out of it.{{cite news |url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/519409-sana-bomb-blast-kills-8-in-central-damascus |title=Deadly bomb rocks central Damascus |publisher=NOW News |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054810/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/519409-sana-bomb-blast-kills-8-in-central-damascus |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/95403606 |title=A bomb explosion rocked the heart of the Syrian ca... |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=6 November 2013 |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054753/http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/95403606 |url-status=live }} Some fighting was still occurring in Tell Aran as of 10 November,{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Dominic |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-conflict-idUSBRE9A90D620131110 |title=Syrian army retakes northern military base in third day of clashes |publisher=Reuters.com |date=10 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=11 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211090959/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-conflict-idUSBRE9A90D620131110 |url-status=live }} however, the Army secured the town by the next day.

On 8 November, before sunrise, the Syrian Army launched an attack against "Base 80", controlled by the rebels since February 2013, near the Aleppo airport. The Army, backed up by tanks and heavy artillery, unleashed "the heaviest barrage in more than a year" according to residents in Aleppo. A rebel fighter said, "We did not see it coming. The attack came as a real shock to us." According to Al-Jazeera, if the Army captured the base, it would cut the rebel supply routes between Aleppo city and the opposition-controlled town of al-Bab, about 30 kilometers from the Turkish border.{{cite web |url=http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/95575090 |title=Syria Live Blog |publisher=Live.aljazeera.com |date=8 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=8 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008061306/http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/95575090 |url-status=live }} By morning, the Army took over several areas of "Base 80", leaving them in control of large parts of it. Later in the afternoon, rebel forces, including ISIS, received reinforcements and regrouped, after which they attacked the base. During the fighting, two dozen air and artillery strikes struck rebel positions.{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/syria-army-retakes-parts-of-base-by-aleppo-airport-ngo-113110800979_1.html |title=Syria army retakes parts of base by Aleppo airport: NGO |work=Business Standard |date=8 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301150149/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/syria-army-retakes-parts-of-base-by-aleppo-airport-ngo-113110800979_1.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9A70JN20131108 |title=Syrian army closes in on Aleppo after dawn attack |publisher=Reuters.com |date=8 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=3 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203131824/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/08/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9A70JN20131108 |url-status=live }} After dark, rebels counter-attacked and by dawn the next day managed to recapture most of the base, with fighting still occurring around it.{{cite web |author=Edward Yeranian |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/syria-rebels-retake-key-base/1786947.html |title=Syria Rebels Retake Key Base |publisher=Voice of America |date=10 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216151856/http://www.voanews.com/content/syria-rebels-retake-key-base/1786947.html |archive-date=16 February 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |agency=Reuters |url=http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/7abf270041c4038e9494bd1c2eddf908/Syria-rebels-recapture-army-base-near-Aleppo-airport-20130911 |title=Syria rebels recapture army base near Aleppo airport |publisher=Sabc.co.za |date=9 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025071312/http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/7abf270041c4038e9494bd1c2eddf908/Syria-rebels-recapture-army-base-near-Aleppo-airport-20130911 |archive-date=25 October 2014}} During the attack, rebels used GRAD rockets to strike the base.{{cite web |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/syria-opposition-wants-pressure-on-damascus-before-agreeing-to-talks |title=Syria opposition wants pressure on Damascus before agreeing to talks |publisher=Themalaymailonline.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019061935/http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/syria-opposition-wants-pressure-on-damascus-before-agreeing-to-talks |url-status=live }}

On 10 November, fighting still continued around "Base 80", with reports of more fighting inside the base itself. During the clashes, rebels targeted two Army armored vehicles, while one rebel tank was destroyed, killing five rebel fighters.{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/sunday-10-november-2013/ |title=Sunday 10 November 2013 |publisher=Supportkurds.org |date=11 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111025427/http://supportkurds.org/news/sunday-10-november-2013/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=15829 |title=Clashes break out between YPG and ISIS |publisher=Pukmedia.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308042701/http://pukmedia.com/en/en_direje.aspx?jimare=15829 |url-status=dead }} By the afternoon, the Army was once again in full control of the base.{{cite web|last=Associated |first=The |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=244302743 |title=Syria Activists: Truce Reached in Blockaded Town |website=NPR |date=10 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111014631/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=244302743 |archive-date=11 November 2013 }} According to the SOHR, 63 rebels, including at least 11 foreign fighters, and 32 soldiers were killed during the battle. One other report put the number of rebels killed between 60 and 80.{{cite web|url=http://cphpost.dk/international/two-danes-allegedly-die-fighting-syria |title=Two Danes allegedly die fighting in Syria |date=13 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113121935/http://cphpost.dk/international/two-danes-allegedly-die-fighting-syria |archive-date=13 November 2013 }} Army units were backed-up by Hezbollah fighters and pro-government militias during the assault.{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gz6wr66r6Oa38fRV4RQH7uwZd2pA?docId=7ab4cb0a-40ef-49b8-b757-5b337a3ee3a0&hl=en |title=Syria army retakes key base near Aleppo: state TV |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315150531/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gz6wr66r6Oa38fRV4RQH7uwZd2pA?docId=7ab4cb0a-40ef-49b8-b757-5b337a3ee3a0&hl=en |archive-date=15 March 2014 }}

By 11 November, the military had captured a series of nearby positions,{{cite web |author=Diaa Hadid |url=http://www.nwherald.com/2013/11/11/syria-based-groups-say-talks-may-be-last-chance/a8ppwjk/ |title=Syria-based groups say talks may be 'last chance' |publisher=Nwherald.com |date=11 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=30 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630024410/http://www.nwherald.com/2013/11/11/syria-based-groups-say-talks-may-be-last-chance/a8ppwjk/ |url-status=dead }} securing most of the area around Aleppo International Airport.{{cite journal |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-11/237517-syria-army-seeks-to-reopen-aleppo-airport-military.ashx#axzz2kLOt6xon |title=Syria army seeks to reopen Aleppo airport: military |journal=The Daily Star |publisher=Dailystar.com.lb |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811095147/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-11/237517-syria-army-seeks-to-reopen-aleppo-airport-military.ashx#axzz2kLOt6xon |url-status=dead }}

On 12 November, the Syrian Army had penetrated the town of al-Naqqarin in the eastern outskirts of Aleppo city, advancing further north. Opposition activists said the Army "launched a pincer movement from the north and the east and were closing in on major rebel held neighborhoods". At the same time, government forces inside the city, backed by tanks, had taken two highrise buildings in the northern Ashrafieh and Bani Zeid districts, and advanced into the two neighbourhoods after close-quarter street fighting.{{cite web |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-aleppo-idUKL5N0IX4BS20131112 |title=Boosted by foreign Shi'ite militia, Assad's forces advance on Aleppo |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date=12 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923064010/https://www.reuters.com/?edition-redirect=uk |url-status=dead }}

On 13 November, Syrian Air Force helicopters dropped barrel bombs on rebel positions in Tell Hassel, south of Aleppo,{{cite web|author=RYAN LUCAS Associated Press |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-rebels-clash-south-damascus-20862696 |title=Syrian Troops Make Inroads South of Damascus |website=ABC News |date=12 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114054103/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-rebels-clash-south-damascus-20862696 |archive-date=14 November 2013 }} while the military advanced toward the town and fighting raged near it.{{cite web |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=62573 |title=Jihadists call for mass mobilisation to counter army advances in north Syria |publisher=Middle-east-online.com |date=13 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=13 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113151921/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=62573 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jgjqXCmuwr4UFF4iJS4h653Nu7ig?docId=32cb00c4-4218-4b94-88e2-b3d86e0a4231 |title=Army advances as jihadists call to arms in north Syria |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226074158/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jgjqXCmuwr4UFF4iJS4h653Nu7ig?docId=32cb00c4-4218-4b94-88e2-b3d86e0a4231 |archive-date=26 February 2014 }}

On 14 November, an air strike killed the intelligence commander of the rebel Al-Tawhid Brigade and wounded the top leader of the unit, while they were meeting at a base in Aleppo. One other commander was also injured.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9AE04320131115 |title=Syrian air raid kills rebel commander in Aleppo: activists |date=15 November 2013 |agency=Reuters.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=9 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209001935/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9AE04320131115 |url-status=live }} That night, the leader of the Al-Tawhid Brigade, Abdulkader al-Saleh, died of his wounds in Turkey. However, his death was kept secret for four days until he could be buried.{{cite web |author=James Reynolds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24984365 |title=Top Syrian rebel commander Abdul Qadir al-Saleh dies |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=18 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020041623/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24984365 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/world/middleeast/syria.html |title=Syrian Rebel Leader Dies After Government Attack |work=The New York Times |date=18 November 2013 |last1=Barnard |first1=Anne |last2=Shoumali |first2=Karam |last3=Chivers |first3=C. J. |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=9 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009195755/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/world/middleeast/syria.html |url-status=live }}

On 15 November, the military captured Tell Hassel,{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Dominic |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9AE11X20131115 |title=Assad's forces advance in northern Syria towards Aleppo |publisher=Reuters.com |date=15 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190848/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/15/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9AE11X20131115 |url-status=live }} with the rebels retreating to one of their strongholds near the town. By the end of the day, government forces secured the al-Safira road that connects Aleppo with the defence factories on the outskirts of al-Safira.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} The same day, a former Army colonel, who commanded another rebel brigade, was killed in fighting in the Maaret al-Artiq area, northwest of Aleppo city.{{cite web |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/86539/World/Region/Syria-air-strike-hits-Islamist-brigade-leadership.aspx |title=Syria air strike hits Islamist brigade leadership |publisher=English.ahram.org.eg |date=15 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019062836/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/86539/World/Region/Syria-air-strike-hits-Islamist-brigade-leadership.aspx |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-16/238022-syrian-regime-forces-target-rebel-commanders.ashx#axzz2k3r8IiK5 |title=Syrian regime forces target rebel commanders |journal=The Daily Star |publisher=Dailystar.com.lb |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019102458/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-16/238022-syrian-regime-forces-target-rebel-commanders.ashx#axzz2k3r8IiK5 |url-status=dead }}

On 17 November, rebels blew up a bridge linking Tell Hassel and the cable, battery and tractor factories, which were still under rebel control, halting the military motorcade that was advancing towards the plants. Another military motorcade was reportedly advancing towards the rebel-held town of Bellat on the Aleppo-al-Bab highway. Later, government sources reported the Army managed to capture the factory area.{{cite web|url=http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=481871 |title=Militants Flee Strategic Region in Aleppo Countryside |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022704/http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=481871 |archive-date=3 December 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://breakingnews.sy/en/article/29195.html |title=Syrian Arab Army advances in Aleppo… Civilians martyred and injured in an attack, Damascus |publisher=Breakingnews.sy |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024201758/http://breakingnews.sy/en/article/29195.html |archive-date=24 October 2014 |url-status=dead}} According to local activists, opposition forces started to retreat from the village of al-Duwayrinah and the industrial area adjacent to Tell Hassel.{{cite web |author=Joud Hassoun Karima Ward |url=http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2013/11/17/news-regime-forces-advance-southern-aleppo-front |title=Regime forces advance on southern Aleppo front |publisher=Syrianewsdesk.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203123105/http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2013/11/17/news-regime-forces-advance-southern-aleppo-front |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=dead}} The same day, a group of 15 ISIS rebel fighters conducted a raid into Tell Aran, which led to fighting that left 10 of the fighters dead as well as 18 government soldiers. The fate of the other five rebels remained unknown.{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/monday-18-november-2013/ |title=Monday 18 November 2013 |publisher=Supportkurds.org |date=19 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131203191644/http://supportkurds.org/news/monday-18-november-2013/ |url-status=live }}

On 18 November, fighting still raged in al-Naqqarin, on the eastern edge of Aleppo,{{cite web |last=Yacoub |first=Khaled |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE9AH0NU20131118 |title=Syria rebel chieftain killed; Assad forces bomb besieged town |publisher=Reuters.com |date=18 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=18 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218070544/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/18/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE9AH0NU20131118 |url-status=live }} while on 19 November, the Army captured al-Duwayrinah.{{cite web |date=19 November 2013 |title=Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad carry their weapons as they look on the ground in al-Dwayrineh village near the main highway leading Aleppo to Raqqa after capturing it from rebels |url=http://www.trust.org/item/20131119145959-vur9p/?source=search |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222171635/http://www.trust.org/item/20131119145959-vur9p/?source=search |archive-date=22 December 2015 |access-date=29 May 2014 |publisher=Trust.org}}

By 24 November, it was reported that government forces started a push into the Sheikh Najjar industrial zone in the northeastern part of Aleppo.{{cite web |author=Edward Dark Columnist |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/11/aleppo-regime-offensive-rebels-isis-syria.html |title=Aleppo gears for major regime offensive |publisher=Al-monitor.com |date=24 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808084233/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/11/aleppo-regime-offensive-rebels-isis-syria.html |archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=dead}}

On 30 November, Army helicopters targeted a rebel compound in al-Bab, but missed their target and hit a market, killing 26 people, including four children. The next day, the helicopters once again attacked the town, targeting a compound of the Tawhid Brigade, but missed their target and hit the Nafasin market instead, killing 24 people.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2013/12/01/6783 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203041132/http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2013/12/01/6783 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2013 |title=50 killed in air strikes on Syrias Al-Bab |publisher=Thefinancialexpress-bd.com |access-date=29 May 2014 }} Most of those killed in the second attack were civilians, but also included three rebel fighters. In both attacks, the helicopters dropped barrel bombs.{{cite web |author=BARA SURK Associated Press |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/01/activists-death-toll-up-to-26-in-syrian-strike/ |title=Activists: New Syrian strike near Aleppo kills 11 |publisher=Utsandiego.com |date=1 December 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128074039/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/01/activists-death-toll-up-to-26-in-syrian-strike/ |url-status=live }}

At the beginning of December, it was confirmed the Army captured al-Naqqarin and was advancing towards Tiyara. Meanwhile, rebels were retreating from the Sheikh Najjar industrial area, especially from the "Zone 3" buildings, after the military took control of Sheikh Yusuf hill, which overlooks Zone 3.{{cite web |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2013/12/syria-opposition-regime-spy-phobia.html# |title=Syrian opposition searches for regime spies |publisher=Al-monitor.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220071256/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2013/12/syria-opposition-regime-spy-phobia.html |archive-date=20 February 2014 |url-status=dead}} On 1 December, Sama TV reported that the Army managed to capture the town of Tiyara, northeast of the al-Nairab air base, showing images of SAA soldiers inside the town.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwD0__rG8uc حلب - قرية تيارا في منطقة جبل سمعان آمنة .. وتقدم الجيش مستمر] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309100921/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwD0__rG8uc |date=9 March 2016 }} Sama TV, 2 December 2013

On 21 November 15 government militiamen were killed fighting rebels near Base 80.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20131121-fighting-aleppo-base-kills-15-syria-militia-ngo |title=Fighting for Aleppo base kills 15 Syria militia: NGO |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103072114/http://www.france24.com/en/20131121-fighting-aleppo-base-kills-15-syria-militia-ngo |archive-date=3 January 2014 }} A rebel commander was among the dead on the opposition's side.{{cite web |url=http://sherifazuhur.wordpress.com/tag/damascus/ |title=Syria Update, November 25, 2013 (Institute of Middle Eastern, Islamic and Strategic Studies. By Sherifa Zuhur) |publisher=Sherifazuhur.wordpress.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019061057/https://sherifazuhur.wordpress.com/tag/damascus/ |url-status=live }}

On 25 November, rebels started a counter-attack in the area around Khanasser.{{cite web |url=http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/news/syria-rebels-press-advance-around-damascus-and-aleppo_19701 |title=Syria rebels press advance around Damascus and Aleppo |date=25 November 2013 |publisher=Yourmiddleeast.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019062705/http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/news/syria-rebels-press-advance-around-damascus-and-aleppo_19701 |url-status=dead }} By the next day, the rebels managed to capture several villages, but were not able to block the highway to prevent a further Army advance.{{cite web |last=Solomon |first=Erika |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-talks-rebels-idUSBRE9AP0BB20131126 |title=Free Syrian Army says no ceasefire for Geneva talks |publisher=Reuters.com |date=26 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=23 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223034145/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-talks-rebels-idUSBRE9AP0BB20131126 |url-status=live }} Days later, the Army recaptured the six villages that rebel forces managed to seize.

On 28 November, government and rebel forces clashed in the outskirts of Aziza, west of the airport, leaving 20 government fighters and 11 rebels dead.{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/thursday-28-november-2013/ |title=Thursday 28 November 2013 |publisher=Supportkurds.org |date=29 November 2013 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131203191643/http://supportkurds.org/news/thursday-28-november-2013/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Operation Canopus Star}}

Soon after, the military launched operation Canopus Star,{{cite web|url=http://www.syrianperspective.com/2013/12/first-post-december-9-2013-al-nabak-liberated-jihadist-terrorists-crushed-in-damascus-terrorist-leader-killed-in-east-ghouta-by-saa-massive-operation-canopus-star-grinds-rats-in.html|title=AL-NABAK LIBERATED!!; JIHADIST TERRORISTS CRUSHED IN DAMASCUS; TERRORIST LEADER KILLED IN EAST GHOUTA BY SAA; MASSIVE OPERATION "CANOPUS STAR" GRINDS RATS IN ALEPPO; NEWS AND COMMENTARY; WILE E. COYOTE MOMENT|author=Ziad Fadel|date=9 December 2013|work=Syrian Perspective|access-date=8 July 2014|archive-date=21 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721060752/http://www.syrianperspective.com/2013/12/first-post-december-9-2013-al-nabak-liberated-jihadist-terrorists-crushed-in-damascus-terrorist-leader-killed-in-east-ghouta-by-saa-massive-operation-canopus-star-grinds-rats-in.html|url-status=usurped}} with the aim to encircle Aleppo and cut rebel supply lines into the city, thus besieging rebel-held areas.{{cite web |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/03/syria-army-impose-blockade-militants-aleppo.html# |title=Syrian army to impose blockade in Aleppo |publisher=Al-monitor.com |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713202354/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/03/syria-army-impose-blockade-militants-aleppo.html |archive-date=13 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}

Subsequently, the Army broke the siege of Aleppo's central prison on 22 May,{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syria-army-breaks-rebel-siege-of-aleppo-central-prison-ngo.aspx?pageID=238&nID=66804&NewsCatID=352 |title=Syria army breaks rebel siege of Aleppo central prison: NGO |publisher=Hurriyetdailynews.com |date=13 September 2011 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019064451/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syria-army-breaks-rebel-siege-of-aleppo-central-prison-ngo.aspx?pageID=238&nID=66804&NewsCatID=352 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/05/22/Syrian-troops-reach-besieged-Aleppo-prison.html |title=Syrian troops reach besieged Aleppo prison |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=30 May 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019090559/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/05/22/Syrian-troops-reach-besieged-Aleppo-prison.html |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/May-22/257379-syrian-troops-reach-besieged-prison-in-aleppo.ashx |title=Assad's forces enter Syria's Aleppo prison: activists |journal=The Daily Star |publisher=Dailystar.com.lb |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=20 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220120635/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/May-22/257379-syrian-troops-reach-besieged-prison-in-aleppo.ashx |url-status=live }} and on 3 July, government forces fully captured the Sheikh Najjar industrial district.{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140703/syrian-army-recaptures-aleppos-industrial-city|title=Syrian army recaptures Aleppo's industrial city|work=GlobalPost|access-date=4 July 2014|archive-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029093614/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140703/syrian-army-recaptures-aleppos-industrial-city|url-status=live}}

{{Portal|Asia}}

• Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)
• Battle of al-Qusayr (2013)
• Rif Dimashq offensive (September–November 2013)

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VtbmBGfN9w Syria War: The Decisive Battle 1: Darayya & Aleppo] Press TV documentary on YouTube
• [http://vimeo.com/69872432 Documentary: The Decisive Battle 2] Press TV documentary on Vimeo

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Syrian civil war}}

{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aleppo offensive (2013 10-11)}}

Category:Aleppo in the Syrian civil war

Aleppo

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army

Aleppo

Aleppo

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government

Aleppo