“Syrian rebels have turned their guns on each other in the border city of Azaz, as fault lines between moderate Western-backed rebels and extremist groups descends into open conflict.”  Syria crisis: Rebels turn on each other as moderates clash with extremist groups in Azaz – Middle East – World – The Independent 9/18/2013

“Only when you reach the city do you notice how many people have now built iron guard doors before their homes and iron gates on car parks. The claim that 40-50,000 rebels surround the capital is probably untrue but there are up to 80,000 security men and soldiers inside Damascus and, on this battlefront, they may well be winning.”  Robert Fisk in Damascus: In Syria’s capital, Assad’s troops may be winning this war – untouched by Obama’s threats – Middle East – World – The Independent  9/18/2013

“Fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant on Wednesday stormed the town of Azaz, 5km from the Syrian-Turkish border, and killed at least five FSA members, the activists said, adding 100 people were taken captive.” Syrian border town overrun by al-Qaeda group – Middle East – Al Jazeera English 9/18/2013

“It could pose a dilemma for the Turkish government, which has been allowing militant Islamist fighters to cross into Syria from its territory, but may not be keen to see a formidable al Qaeda presence so close to its border.”  Qaeda affiliate overruns Syrian town near Turkish border: activists | Reuters 9/18/2013

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