Syrian rebels 'kill 195 soldiers' in fighting

The Islamic Front Syrian opposition group has claimed to have killed 195 regime soldiers in fighting on Tuesday and seized control of villages from the government in Aleppo, northern Syria.

The Islamic Front said it killed 90 regime soldiers in the al-Mallah area, 60 in Ratyan town and 45 in al-Rashedin village as well as capturing a large number of soldiers who are backed by Shiite militias, according to Salih Anadani, an Islamic Front spokesman.

“Intense clashes took place near Hardantin village after retaking control of al-Mallah area and Ratyan town,” Anadani said.

Syrian opposition began protests in March 2011 to topple President Bashar al-Assad, a struggle that turned into a civil war in July of that year after regime forces violently suppressed demonstrations.