Suicide Attack Helps Rebels Take Over Syrian Military Airport

Syrian rebels staged a suicide attack that enabled its forces to overcome government troops and take over a key air base in northern Syria Tuesday morning. Rebels also seized tanks and arms.

The victory was both military and moral, coming after last week’s Syrian offensive that took back control of areas in Homs and in the commercial city of Aleppo and appeared to be devastating the rebels. Taking over the air base deprives Syrian President Bassar al-Assad’s military of a key supply route in the Aleppo region.

Two foreign fighters in an armored vehicle blew themselves up to help break through Syrian army defense at the air base, according to The New York Times. After the rebels’ victory, dozens of Syrian soldiers reportedly defected.

The rebellion, well into its third year, has divided the country into different regions, a situation that could be the best for Israel if it means that the next regime will be far less powerful with control of a smaller area.