The Islamic State (IS) militant group has retaken control of 17 areas in Syria's Aleppo province in a counter-attack against the Syrian rebels, backed by Turkey, authorities said on Wednesday.
According to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the purpose of this IS attack launched on Tuesday was to fend off the Syrian armed groups operating within 'Operation Euphrates Shield' on al-Bab city, the main stronghold of IS militants in northeast of Aleppo, Efe news reported.
Since Tuesday, the IS has retaken towns, farms and hills, which were held by Syrian rebel groups, backed by Turkish aircraft and tanks.
Since last August 21, Syrian factions and Turkish forces have been fighting together under 'Operation Euphrates Shield' to liberate Aleppo from the IS and stop the advance of Kurdish militias.
--IANS
sm/vt