Russia reveals fatal suicide attacks on Syrian Gov't forces

MOSCOW, July 15 (KUNA) -- Syrian opposition gunmen entrenched in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo have carried out suicide bombing attacks on government forces on the city outskirts inflicting heavy casualties, the Russian Defense Minister disclosed on Friday.
A large number of Syrian government troops were killed after their positions near Aleppo were stormed by suicide attackers who sneaked from their positions in the city, said Gen. Sergei Shoigu, in remarks carried by Interfax News Agency.
The government forces aborted "many storming attempts but some of the attacking gunmen succeeded in reaching the posts and blowing them up, causing heavy casualties," the Russian minister said.
His remarks coincided with reports about advance of the Syrian government forces, backed by militias, toward the northern city. The moving forces, armed with tanks and heavy weaponry, have been reportedly trying to block logistical and supply routes for the opposition gunmen positioned in Aleppo, Syria's second largest city and a key stronghold for the opposition forces. The government forces have recently taken over some ground from the opposition, however the gunmen have fought back retaking some posts from the regulars. (end) as.rk