Reports indicate that Syria’s insurgents are moving on the villages of Zahraa and Nubl, north of Aleppo.
The two villages, with majority-Shia populations, have been isolated for months by insurgents who control the surrounding countryside. They were part of an agreement over Homs early this year, with insurgents allowing in supplies in return for the evacuation of opposition fighters in the central Syrian city.
Video from outside Zahraa:
The extent of the success of the offensive is unclear.Claims are circulating that the opposition has taken territory to the south of Zahraa and attempting to close in from the east. Residents are reportedly fleeing the villages.
The offensive includes Jabhat al-Nusra, the Islamic Front, the Chechen-led faction Jaish al-Muhajireen wal Ansar, and the Jabhat Ansar a-Din coalition.