Beirut-Opposition factions in Syria have engaged in heavy battles with Syrian regime forces and their supporting militias west of Aleppo, particularly in the 1070 Apartments district.

Amid a lack of definite information on the surprising attack launched by the regime and the militias, opposition activist Abdulkader Allaf told Asharq Al-Awsat that the regime forces have controlled the district, and rebels have partially withdrawn from it under a heavy Russian air campaign.

But regime troops haven’t yet succeeded in entering the area.

Allaf assured that Hikmah School, which has been considered an important strategic hub for the opposition, has been fortified by the rebels, and the regime forces will face obstacles on their way to it.

Despite Allaf’s claims, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has confirmed that the regime seized control of the 1070 Apartments district, which has been considered the most significant gain for the regime in Aleppo since September.

The Observatory added that control over the district followed violent clashes with different Islamic factions, as part of the Syrian forces’ efforts to advance toward Hikmah School.

Abdul Nasser al-Ayed, a military expert, said the hit-and-run battles in Aleppo and its countryside will never see an end before reaching a political solution to the crisis.