The predominately Kurdish “People’s Protection Units” (YPG) – backed by Jaysh Al-Thuwwar of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – have fought their way to the outskirts of the Mennagh Military Airport in northern Aleppo after a series of violent firefights with the Islamist rebels of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, the Free Syrian Army (FSA), and Jabhat Al-Shamiyah (Levantine Front).

According to preliminary reports from the Mennagh Military Airport, the YPG is now attacking the western perimeter of this base, where they were reportedly confronted by a large force of Islamist rebels.

Some reports have indicated that the YPG and SDF have entered the Mennagh Military Airport, while other activists claim they have captured the entire base; however, as of now, there is no proof to confirm these claims.

Should the YPG and SDF capture the Mennagh Military Airport, they will be in position to strike the imperative border-city of ‘Azaz, which is considered to be the most important rebel stronghold in northern Aleppo.

The Islamist rebels cannot afford to lose the Mennagh Military Airport because of its proximity to both ‘Azaz and Tal Rifa’at.

Tal Rifa’at is likely to be targeted by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies in the coming weeks if the Islamist rebels are unable to maintain their ground in the northern Aleppo countryside.