BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- According to the Associated Press, Syrian rebel fighters have announced control of an important military base near Aleppo.

It comes after fierce fighting between government forces and rebel fighters in the area on Saturday. Rebel forces say at least 40 government troops were killed in the fighting and another 80 fled to Aleppo in tanks. The Al Mashat army base in Tal Sheer, lies on one of the main roads leading to the city of Aleppo. Control of the base effectively means control of communication with and access to Aleppo.

Meanwhile, 5 homes were crushed in an air strike by government troops over the town of Azaz which is controlled by rebels near the Turkish border.

(Source: CNTV.cn)