According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, in the last 48 hours intense fighting would have taken place between the radical ISIS group and the Syrian rebels.
The men of the caliphate would have captured three villages near the strategic city of Marea, about 12 miles from the border with Turkey. North of Aleppo, the terrorist group would have conquered two other villages, previously under the control of the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, al-Nusra.
According to the Observatory's estimates, both factions would have lost about twenty elements. South of Marea's suburbs, violent explosions have also been reported.
Marea is defended by Syrian rebels who, in turn, fight against ISIS. The city, which is located on a crucial supply route along the road to the Turkish border, has always been declared as a strategic goal of the Islamic State.
If Marea were to fall, it would be a blow to the groups fighting the Daesh. The recent progress of ISIS comes shortly after the agreement reached between Washington and Ankara, for a new offensive.
The plans include American and Turkish air cover for rebel groups on the ground. The plan is supported by most of the rebel groups in Syria, including the Ahrar al-Sham. However, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda has rejected the plan, despite opposition to ISIS.
