Syrian opposition clash with Islamic State group in Aleppo

The Levant Front clashed with the Islamic State group (IS, formerly known as Isis) in the northern outskirts of Aleppo on Sunday evening, killing a number of IS fighters in the battle, it has emerged.

The Levant Front, a "moderate Islamist" rebel faction, controls areas in Aleppo and has been fighting both the Syrian regime and IS on two fronts.

Fighters from the group advanced on farmland around Qaramil village that is considered to be strategically important as it connects parts of Aleppo under regime and IS control.

"The Front's fighters took control of Qaramil and Granada Farms after hours of violent clashes with IS in northern rural Aleppo, killing several IS fighters and destroying a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft cannon," said Anas Mahmoud, a media officer with the Levant Front.

A local source, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, says that control of the area is crucial in the Battle for Aleppo.

The battlefront between the IS and the regime is calm, there has been no fighting. -Local source, Aleppo

"Qaramil is close to the opposition's supply lines, and connects Marea with the battlefront with the regime's forces in Sifat. IS troops have been trying from time to time to infiltrate the areas around Marea but the opposition forces have held them off."

IS troops and regime forces are stationed in most parts of eastern rural Aleppo.

"The battlefront between these two forces is calm, there has been no fighting," the source said.

In northern Aleppo, controlled by the rebels, fighting between IS and opposition fighters has been heavy, particularly in Suran.

In Handarat village, north of Aleppo, clashes between the regime and Levant Front are frequent, with both forces looking to break the impasse.        

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.