2 Jan 2013

Fighting reported near Aleppo airport

1:39 pm on 2 January 2013

Fierce battles are reported near Aleppo airport in Syria.

The SANA news agency said units of the Syrian army have been clearing the areas surrounding Aleppo international airport after the army clashed with what it described as armed terrorist groups.

The BBC reports rebels have targeted the airport to limit the movement of government forces to Aleppo, which is largely under rebel control.

There are unconfirmed reports that the airport is temporarily closed.