Syrian rebels have recaptured key towns in the northern Aleppo countryside after intense battles with government forces, rebels and activists have told Al Jazeera.
Al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jabhat al-Nusra said on Saturday they had recaptured Hardatnin town in the northern Aleppo countryside after five days of fighting with government forces.
The group said government forces had been supported by Hezbollah and Iranian fighters.
Meanwhile, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), said government forces had withdrawn to the town of Bashakuy further south in Aleppo province.
At least 248 combatants, including 129 government soldiers and 119 rebel fighters have been killed since the fighting started on Tuesday, according to SOHR.