Syrian authorities announce withdrawal of troops from Aleppo after rebel attack

The Syrian authorities announced on Saturday a "temporary troop withdrawal" from the city of Aleppo in the country's northwest to prepare a counterattack against the rebels.

Source: Reuters

Details: The military said the withdrawal is part of an effort to regroup before reinforcements arrive to launch a counterattack.

They also added that dozens of soldiers have been killed or injured in fierce fighting with rebels in Aleppo and the province of Idlib over the past few days.

Background: 

• Reuters sources reported that the Syrian army had received an order to "safely withdraw" from the main rebel-held areas of Aleppo.
• Syrian authorities closed the Aleppo airport as well as all roads leading to the city on Saturday as rebels reached the city.
• Sources say Russia has promised Damascus additional military aid to stop the rebels, and new equipment is to arrive within the next 72 hours.

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