“The target is the 60th Brigade,” the Nusra-led coalition said.
In a statement on Jan. 25, the coalition said Islamic forces were targeting Syrian Army units around such towns as Naema, Sehelia and Yadouda. The statement said the 60th Brigade has deployed anti-tank and engineering forces in Dera to stop the rebel offensive.
Casualties were said to have been heavy on both sides. The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Syrian Air Force strikes on rebel strongholds, particularly Sheik Meskin, home to the 82nd Brigade.
“Violent clashes are still erupting between the regime forces supported by National Defense Forces and Hizbullah against Nusra Front, rebel and Islamic battalions in the town of Sheik Meskin and in the northwestern countryside of Dera leading to the death of nine fighters from the Islamic battalions, including a field commander,” Syrian Observatory said
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http://www.worldtribune.com/2015/01/27/al-qaidas-nusra-leads-u-s-backed-rebels-major-offensive-syrian-army/