http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/29/Battle-for-Aleppo-Summary-Day-1
Battle for Aleppo Summary: Day 1
October 29, 2016
Countless weeks of preparation has finally led to factions allied under the banner of 'Jabhat Fatah al-Sham' launching the much anticipated battle to break the siege on Eastern Aleppo. A force of approximately 6,500 men, backed by dozens of heavy armoured vehicles and mounted technical's, alongside at least 20 prepared VBIED's (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device), commenced their assault on SAA (Syrian Arab Army) positions in and around the Western countryside of Aleppo.
Rebel factions launched their multi axis assault in the early hours of Friday morning, following intense artillery attacks on fortified SAA positions across West Aleppo. These artillery strikes included the shelling of the strategic Nayrab airport in Aleppo using newly acquired Grad missiles. This attack mostly missed its target but did register at least 3 direct hits on the runway and surrounding buildings, temporarily putting the airport out of service. The would prove to be a dilemma for SAA forces as they already lacked much air cover due to weather reasons and Russia's decision to hold off airstrikes for several hours.
Clashing Hot Spots:
Minyan Sawmills
One of the areas targeted first was the Minyan Sawmills. The vicinity is located on the fringes of Western Aleppo districts, meaning its capture would place the rebels in pole position to assault West Aleppo. This was indeed their objective, as rebels assaulted the area with brutal force. A large VBIED attack occurred, achieving a direct hit and killing at least 6 SAA soldiers. This attack was soon followed by 'Inghimasi' (Rebel special forces) infantry storming the area and forcing SAA soldiers into retreat; subsequently seizing control over the vicinity. Unconfirmed reports of war spoils being taken, mostly ammunition.
Carton factory
Another site to fall victim to a devastating VBIED blast. Clashes around the area lasted several hours before SAA units in the vicinity were overwhelmed and forced to retreat, partially due to lack of air cover.
Al Assad Suburb
The centre piece of rebel gains today, the strategic 'Al Assad' district came under huge amount of firepower as rebels focused most of their resources onto the suburb. Once again rebels kicked off their assault with a successful VBIED operation and the seizing of several neighbouring checkpoints including the 'Soura' checkpoint.This spurred on the allied factions to infiltrate and implement control over at least 80% of the area. Clashes continued for several more hours and into the night and are ongoing at this very moment. Conflicting reports suggest the SAA is still holed up in the northern sector of the suburb in contrast to reports of its complete fall. This remains unconfirmed. Several casualties reported on both sides.
Zahra District
Another vocal point in the widespread assault. Rebels launched an attack on this axis but were completely repelled losing at least 9 men in the process.
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1070 Vicinity
Rebels attempted to route out the remaining SAA presence in the area. They launched a VBIED operation which failed. Clashes were fierce and long lasting however rebels weren't able to complete their objective and couldn't advance.
3000 Apartment
Reports circled online claiming rebels infiltrated the neighbourhood and captured several building blocks. We contacted sources who claim clashes remain on the districts outskirts and no notable rebel gains occurred inside the suburb. Clashes ongoing and expected to intensify.
Confirmed losses so far:
Rebels:
- 44 confirmed KIA
- 79 WIA
- 2 mounted technicals
- 2 premature detonations of VBIED's
- Tank
SAA:
- 29 confirmed KIA
- Over 65 WIA
- Kornet launcher/position
- Mounted Technical
- Ammunition and weaponry inc. Anti tank missiles and launcher, RPG's, grenades and mines.
(These are conservative numbers, real death toll may be higher then documented numbers)
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Credit ISW for the map.
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