Rebels seize key Syrian airbase

Syrian rebels have seized control of a key airbase in the north-western province of Idlib after a two-year siege. Abu al-Duhur airbase was the final regime position in the province, which is now held almost entirely by rebels. The militants behind the attack are a coalition of mainly Islamist groups, including the al-Nusra Front. Their […]

Syrian rebels have seized control of a key airbase in the north-western province of Idlib after a two-year siege.
Abu al-Duhur airbase was the final regime position in the province, which is now held almost entirely by rebels.
The militants behind the attack are a coalition of mainly Islamist groups, including the al-Nusra Front.
Their capture of the base was helped by duststorms in the region, which hampered Syria’s air force.
Since late March, the Islamists have seized several cities in the province including Idlib and Jisr al-Shughour.
They stepped up their offensive against Abu al-Duhur in late August, using suicide attacks to seize the entrance to the airbase and several positions on its outskirts.
The regime troops reportedly retreated from the base and allowed the militants to move in.