The Turkish-backed rebels said clashes took place for the first time with the Syrian army in the Abu Zandayn village south west of al Bab, where they were advancing.
The army aided by Iranian-backed militias made rapid gains in recent days from the south of the city seizing more than thirty villages from the militants, bringing them close to their Turkish and rebel enemies.
The army also secured a new string of villages on the southern edge of the city on Thursday and army units were now clearing out hundreds of mines and explosives planted by the militants in these villages, state media said.
Rebels said storming the city on Wednesday was to preempt any army attempt to enter before them. Turkey has said coordination with Russia prevents clashes with the Syrian forces.
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(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:newsdog.today)
