Syria: Fighting erupts as govt. forces break siege of Kweires airbase *GRAPHIC*

Fierce fighting between Syrian Arab Army soldiers and anti-government militants continued in and around Kuwiries airbase in Aleppo Governorate, Wednesday, after Syrian government forces managed to break the airport blockade after two years of its existence. Gunfire, shelling and small-arms fire-fights were in full swing in the surrounding area of the airport, with the dead bodies of militants and soldiers scattered throughout the site. The military campaign has reportedly lasted for over 60 days, with soldiers crossing nearly 30 km (19miles) into what were previously lands controlled by the so-called Islamic State (IS, formerly known as ISIS/ISIL). Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson Major-General Igor Konashenkov stated earlier on Wednesday that as a result of the offensive Syrian government forces, with the help of Russian airstrikes and local irregular forces, defeated more than 900 militants near the village of Telmam in Aleppo Governorate.