#Syria Jihadist group on US "terrorist" list leads the capture of 2nd largest #Assad helicopter base in Syria:

Peter Clifford ‏@PeterClifford1

#Syria Jihadist group on US "terrorist" list leads the capture of 2nd largest #Assad helicopter base in Syria: http://tinyurl.com/PCOSyria 

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1:10 PM - 13 Jan 13 · Details

JIHADIST GROUP ON USA “TERRORIST” LIST LEADS THE CAPTURE OF 2nd LARGEST ASSAD HELICOPTER BASE IN SYRIA:

TIMELINE – 12th JANUARY 2012 11.25 GMT:

Yesterday, Friday morning, Opposition forces finally overran the Taftanaz helicopter base in Idlib province after 2 months of sporadic fighting and a final intense assault  over the last 7 days.

Taftanaz Airbase Shortly Before Its Capture – Reuters

Remaining Assad troops, who were still holed up in 2 buildings on Thursday, fled at dawn on Friday after their positions had come under significant attack by heavy weapons. 

While defending the base, Assad’s troops had managed to remove as many as 60 helicopters but between 14 and 20, along with 22 tanks, 6 armoured troop carriers, 4 fuel tanks and an entire weapons and ammunition depot fell into Opposition hands, as well as a brigadier general and other prisoners. 

The operational viability of the helicopters left behind is doubtful.

The final assault on the base was led by the Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham, al-Fajr al-Islamiya, & Liwaa Dawoud Islamic Brigades, plus other units of the Opposition.

Jabhat al-Nusra (or Al-Nusra Front), despite being listed as a terrorist organisation allied to Al Qaeda by the United States, is clearly one of the most successful fighting units all across Syria.  Al Jazeera has a video report on the taking of the base and talks to the jihadists, HERE:

Taftanaz was by far the largest helicopter base in northern Syria and the second largest in the country.  But although it is another blow to the Assad regime, completely ignored by state media, it is a tactical gain for the Opposition rather than a strategic one.

I believe! I believe! I believe that we! I believe that we! I believe that we win win! 

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