Sat Feb 22, 2014 07:57:14
Fierce clashes have erupted in northern Syria between al-Qaeda-linked militant groups and other foreign-backed insurgents.
The fighting took place between the members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) near Bab al-Salameh, north of Aleppo, on Friday.
The clashes broke out after a car bomb ripped through a crowded refugee camp, killing several people and injuring scores more.
A recent British defense study showed that about 100,000 militants, fragmented into 1,000 groups, are fighting in Syria against the government and people. The extracts of the study by defense consultancy, IHS Jane's, were published on September 16.
IHS Jane's estimates that some 10,000 militants are fighting for groups affiliated with al-Qaeda such as al-Nusra Front, and the rest fight for different militant groups.
Syria has been has gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. Over 100,000 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced due to the unrest.
According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies -- Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.
The UN also says more than four million other Syrians will be forced out of their homes in 2014 by the escalating conflict in the country.
NTJ/MB
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