Clashes force temporary closure of Aleppo airport in Syria

Clashes between rebel fighters and government troops in Syria today forced the closure of the international airport in Aleppo, the country’s largest city.

The Agence France-Presse reported that the official reason for the temporary closure was “maintenance work,” but an anonymous airport official said it was due to “attacks by rebel fighters.”

"There have been continued attempts by opposition militants to target civilian aircraft, which could cause a humanitarian disaster," the official was quoted as saying.

The Associated Press reported that opposition fighters trying to overthrow President Bashar Assad have been battling for control of Aleppo since the summer.

Rebels have warned that they would target civilian as well as military aircraft using Aleppo airport because they suspect the regime is using civilian planes to bring in weapons and other supplies.

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