View source for Northern Aleppo offensive (March–June 2016)

{{Short description|Military offensive}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox military conflict
|conflict= Northern Aleppo offensive (March–June 2016)
|partof= the [[Inter-rebel conflict during the Syrian Civil War]] and the [[Syrian Civil War]]
|image=2016 Aleppo campaign (within Northern Syria).svg
|caption=Territorial control in northern Aleppo, as of 3 September 2016
{{legend|#ebc0b3|Controlled by the [[Syrian Armed Forces]]}}
{{legend|#e2d974|Controlled by the [[Syrian Democratic Forces]]}}
{{legend|#b4b2ae|Controlled by the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]}}
{{legend|#cdecc9|Controlled by the [[Syrian opposition]]}}
|date= 10 March – 8 June 2016<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=03|day1=10|year1=2016|month2=06|day2=08|year2=2016}})
|place= Northern [[Aleppo Governorate]], [[Syria]]
|result = Partial FSA victory
* The rebels capture the town of [[al-Rai, Syria|al-Rai]],<ref name=key/> its border crossing<ref name=abducts/> and 20 villages<ref name=lose/><ref name=taqly/><ref name=reseize1/>
* ISIL recaptures al-Rai, its border crossing<ref name=reseize/> and 34 villages<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/deSyracuse/status/725378516775227392|title=Agathocle deSyracuse|work=Twitter|access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=collapses/>
* ISIL attack on Azaz and Mare' repelled and rebels capture 11 villages, including [[Sawran, Syria|Sawran]]<ref name=rapidly/>
|combatant1={{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} '''[[Free Syrian Army]]'''
*[[Hawar Kilis Operations Room]]
*[[Mare' Operations Room]]
[[Army of Conquest]]<ref name="heats"/><br/>{{flagicon image|Seal of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.svg|border=no}} '''[[CJTF-OIR]]'''
* {{flag|Turkey}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-army-ready-to-shell-ypg-positions-if-it-crosses-azaz-jarablus-line.aspx?PageID=238&NID=97104&NewsCatID=352|title=Turkish army 'ready' to shell YPG positions if it crosses Azaz-Jarablus line|work=Hurriyet Daily News|date=31 March 2016}}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}}<ref name=moutasem>{{cite web|url=http://theosintblog.com/2016/04/01/al-moutasem-brigade-an-american-backed-fsa-group-in-northern-aleppo/|title=Al-Moutasem Brigade: An American Backed FSA Group in Northern Aleppo|work=The OSINT Blog|date=1 April 2016|access-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403173753/http://theosintblog.com/2016/04/01/al-moutasem-brigade-an-american-backed-fsa-group-in-northern-aleppo/|archive-date=3 April 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|combatant2={{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} '''[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
|commander1= {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[İsmet Yılmaz]]<ref name="heats">{{cite news |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/anti-isil-fight-heats-up-on-turkey-syria-border-97797 |title=Anti-ISIL fight heats up on Turkey-Syria border |work=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |date=14 April 2016 |access-date=17 September 2018 }}</ref>{{small|([[Ministry of National Defence (Turkey)|Defence Minister]])}}<br/>{{flagicon|Turkey}} Gen. [[Hulusi Akar]]<ref name="heats"/><br/>{{small|([[General Staff of the Republic of Turkey|Chief of General Staff]])}}<br/>{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Hakan Fidan]]<ref name="heats"/><br/>{{small|([[National Intelligence Organization (Turkey)|MİT]] head)}}<br/>{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Firas Paşa<ref name="heats"/><br/>{{small|(Muntasir Billah Brigade)}}
|commander2=Unknown
|units1=
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Northern Division (Syrian rebel group).jpg}} [[Northern Division (Syrian rebel group)|Northern Division]]<ref name=militias>{{Cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-cia-pentagon-isis-20160327-story.html|title=In Syria, militias armed by the Pentagon fight those armed by the CIA|work=Los Angeles Times|date=27 March 2016}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Insignia of the 13th Division.svg}} [[13th Division (Syrian rebel group)|13th Division]]<ref name=advances/>
* {{flagicon image|Alternate flag of the Mountain Hawks Brigade.png}} [[Mountain Hawks Brigade]]<ref name=strongholds>{{Cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/04/islamic-state-militants-hit-rebel-strongholds-syrian-turkish-border/|title=Islamic State militants hit rebel strongholds on Syrian-Turkish border|work=ARA News|date=2 April 2016|access-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009213500/http://aranews.net/2016/04/islamic-state-militants-hit-rebel-strongholds-syrian-turkish-border/|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the al-Moutasem Brigade.png}} [[al-Moutasem Brigade]]
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Sultan Murad Brigade.png}} [[Syrian Turkmen Brigades|Sultan Murad Brigade]]<ref name=expels/>
* {{flagicon image|Liwa Ahfad Saladin variant opposition flag.svg}} [[Liwa Ahfad Saladin]]
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Sham Legion.svg}} [[Sham Legion]]<ref name=strongholds/>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg}} [[Ahrar ash-Sham]]<ref name=scores>{{Cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/03/scores-jihadis-killed-clashes-western-backed-sdf-northern-syria/|title=Scores of jihadis killed in clashes with western-backed SDF northern Syria|work=ARA News|date=30 March 2016|access-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009214643/http://aranews.net/2016/03/scores-jihadis-killed-clashes-western-backed-sdf-northern-syria/|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki]]<ref name=most/>
* [[Fastaqim Union]]<ref name="isolated">{{cite news |url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2016/05/mare-isolated-northern-aleppo-residents-flee-afrin/ |title=Mare' is isolated in northern Aleppo and the residents flee to Afrin |work=[[Enab Baladi]] |date=29 May 2016 |access-date=16 September 2018 }}</ref>
* [[Levant Front]]
* [[Army of Mujahideen]]
* [[Liwa al-Nasr|Victory Brigade]]<ref name=balance>{{Cite web|url=http://baladi-news.com/ar/news/details/6772/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF_%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1_%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A_%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2_%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1_%D9%85%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D9%89_%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A_%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8|title=Commander of the Victory Brigade: we will change the balance of forces in northern Aleppo|work=Baladi News|date=1 June 2016|access-date=6 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084400/https://www.baladi-news.com/ar/news/details/6772/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF_%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1_%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A_%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2_%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1_%D9%85%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D9%89_%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A_%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Muntasir Billah Brigade]]<ref name="heats"/>
* [[Conquest Brigade]]<ref name="isolated"/>
|units2=[[Military of ISIL]]
|strength1={{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} 1,500 (in Mare')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/%E2%80%98not-just-talk%E2%80%99-new-north-aleppo-rebel-alliance-breaks-islamic-state-blockade/|title='Not just talk': New north Aleppo rebel alliance breaks Islamic State blockade|work=Syria:direct|date=9 June 2016|access-date=9 June 2016|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214021043/http://syriadirect.org/news/%E2%80%98not-just-talk%E2%80%99-new-north-aleppo-rebel-alliance-breaks-islamic-state-blockade/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|strength2=
|casualties1=61 killed <small>(late May ISIL assault)</small><ref name=flee/>
|casualties2=578 killed <small>(Turkish and rebel claims)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/free-syrian-army-may-move-to-western-syria-turkish-fm/552150|title=Free Syrian Army may move to western Syria: Turkish FM|work=Anadolu Agency|access-date=10 April 2016|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721103155/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/free-syrian-army-may-move-to-western-syria-turkish-fm/552150|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-claims-kill-34-isis-fighters-cross-border-shelling/|title=Turkish Army claims to kill 34 ISIS fighters in cross-border shelling|author=Chris Tomson|date=2 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714165338/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-claims-kill-34-isis-fighters-cross-border-shelling/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/war-isis-55-daesh-fighters-killed-after-barrage-heavy-shelling-aleppo-1558872|title=War on Isis: 55 Daesh fighters killed after barrage of heavy shelling in Aleppo|author=Fiona Keating|work=International Business Times UK|date=8 May 2016 |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/turkey/45-daesh-terrorists-killed-in-syria/572188|title=45 Daesh terrorists killed in Syria|work=Anadolu Agency|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27554/Turkish_Artillery_Hits_ISIS_Positions_In_The_Northern_Countryside_Of_Aleppo|title=Turkish Artillery Hits ISIS Positions In The Northern Countryside Of Aleppo|work=Qasion News Agency|access-date=30 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084109/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27554/Turkish_Artillery_Hits_ISIS_Positions_In_The_Northern_Countryside_Of_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|campaignbox ={{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}}
}}
The '''Northern Aleppo offensive (March–June 2016)''' was a series of [[military operation]]s launched by [[Syrian opposition]] forces against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] and vice versa in the northern [[Aleppo Governorate]], near the [[Syria–Turkey border]], the city of [[Azaz]] and the town of [[Mare']]. The offensive is supported by airstrikes against ISIL conducted by the [[United States]]-led [[CJTF-OIR]] coalition and [[artillery]] shelling by the [[Turkish Armed Forces]].<ref name=expels>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/03/isis-expels-syrian-islamist-rebels-strategic-towns-near-turkish-border/|title=ISIS expels Syrian Islamist rebels from strategic towns near Turkish border|work=ARA News|date=21 March 2016|access-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009214632/http://aranews.net/2016/03/isis-expels-syrian-islamist-rebels-strategic-towns-near-turkish-border/|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2495792&language=en|title=Turkey shells IS positions inside Syria|work=Kuwait News Agency|date=2 April 2016|access-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009193346/http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2495792&language=en|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==The offensive==
===Initial rebel gains===
Between 10 and 14 March, rebel forces seized three villages, including Dudyan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/15482/Syrian_opposition_forces_seize_over_Qara_Kobri_northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084114/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/15482/Syrian_opposition_forces_seize_over_Qara_Kobri_northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/15564/Opposition_defeats_ISIS_attacks_northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084619/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/15564/Opposition_defeats_ISIS_attacks_northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 17 March, ISIL recaptured Dudyan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/20557/ISIS_seize_over_Dodeian_village_in_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019085124/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/20557/ISIS_seize_over_Dodeian_village_in_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> but lost it again the next day.<ref name=taqly>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/20640/Opposition_Seize_Over_Taqly_Village_And_Reseize_Over_Dodian_In_Northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084059/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/20640/Opposition_Seize_Over_Taqly_Village_And_Reseize_Over_Dodian_In_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 19 March 2016, rebel forces captured two villages (Toqli and Mregel), north of Aleppo, from ISIL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=162304|title=تقدم للفصائل في قرى بريف حلب الشمالي واشتباكات بريف سلمية|author=Jack|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان}}</ref> The following day, [[Ahrar ash-Sham]] and the [[Syrian Turkmen Brigades|Sultan Murad Brigade]] exchanged artillery and [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]] fire with ISIL. At the end of the battle, ISIL recaptured the villages of Toqli and Mregel after inflicting heavy casualties on the rebels. The two sides also launched shells at the villages of Qara Kopri and Ghazl, causing [[civilian casualties]].<ref name=expels/> On 30 March, rebel forces once again seized Toqli and Mregel. Concurrently, Turkish artillery shelled ISIS positions in the village of Jakkah.<ref name=reseize1>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/21796/Syrian_opposition_re_seize_over_Toqli_and_Mregel_villages|title=Syrian opposition re-seize over Toqli and Mregel villages|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084104/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/21796/Syrian_opposition_re_seize_over_Toqli_and_Mregel_villages|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Rebels advance and capture al-Rai===
On 1 April, ISIL launched an offensive toward the [[Levant Front]] headquarters in the outskirts of Mregel. The attack was repelled by the Sham Legion and the [[Falcons of Mount Zawiya Brigade]] and an ISIL [[bulldozer]] was destroyed.<ref name=strongholds/> The rebels than proceeded to capture two villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/22014/Opposition_forces_seize_over_villages_in_northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019085132/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/22014/Opposition_forces_seize_over_villages_in_northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two days later, the [[al-Moutasem Brigade]], the Sultan Murad Brigade, and the Sham Legion launched an offensive toward the ISIL stronghold of [[al-Rai, Syria|al-Rai]] to the east, capturing eight villages and reached within four kilometers from al-Rai by 4 April.<ref name=now1>{{Cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566820-syria-rebels-near-isis-stronghold-in-n-aleppo|title=Syria rebels near ISIS stronghold in N. Aleppo|work=Now|date=4 April 2016|access-date=4 April 2016|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630000317/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566820-syria-rebels-near-isis-stronghold-in-n-aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some of the villages that were seized were: Tal Sha'er,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/22217/Opposition_Seize_Over_Sha%E2%80%99er_Village_And_Nearing_To_Ra%E2%80%99ei|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019085139/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/22217/Opposition_Seize_Over_Sha%E2%80%99er_Village_And_Nearing_To_Ra%E2%80%99ei|url-status=dead}}</ref> Raqbya, Qantra and Shaabanya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/22370/Opposition_seize_over_%E2%80%9CRaqbya,_Qantra_and_Shaabanya%E2%80%9D_villages_in_Aleppo_countryside|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019085146/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/22370/Opposition_seize_over_%E2%80%9CRaqbya%2C_Qantra_and_Shaabanya%E2%80%9D_villages_in_Aleppo_countryside|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 5 April, the rebels had captured at least 16 villages in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idUSKCN0X20QI|title=Syrian rebels advance against Islamic State near Turkish border|work=Reuters|date=5 April 2016}}</ref>
On 7 April, with [[close air support]] from [[A-10 Thunderbolt II]]s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://isis.liveuamap.com/en/2016/7-april-is-photo-report-on-battle-al-rai-focus-on-us-air|title=IS photo report on battle al Rai focus on US air support|work=Live UA Map|date=7 April 2016}}</ref> the rebels captured most of al-Rai<ref name=most>{{cite web|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0X428P|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407180533/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0X428P|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 April 2016|title=Syrian rebels seize most of IS stronghold: monitor and rebel source|work=Reuters|date=7 April 2016}}</ref> and the nearby border crossing.<ref name=abducts>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210518#.VwbQBE996Uk|title=Report: ISIS abducts over 300 Syrian workers|work=Arutz Sheva|date=7 April 2016 }}</ref> As of 8 April, the rebels had full control of al-Rai, along with 17 other villages.<ref name=key>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35993918|title=Syria war:Rebels take key northern town of al-Rai from IS|work=BBC News |date=7 April 2016 }}</ref><ref name=lose>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/islamic-state-lose-turkey-supply-route-to-syrian-rebels/news-story/455b163bcaed91f215964a9666c4a2dc|title=Islamic State lose Turkey supply route to Syrian rebels}}</ref>
===First ISIL counter-attack and recapture of al-Rai===
Two days later, early on 10 April, ISIL launched a counter-attack,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-begins-massive-offensive-aleppo-turkey-border/|title=ISIS begins massive offensive on the Aleppo-Turkey border|author=Leith Fadel|date=10 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=10 April 2016|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204084000/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-begins-massive-offensive-aleppo-turkey-border/|url-status=dead}}</ref> which included a three-pronged attack against the town of [[Mare']],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/worldonalert/status/718950247540633601|title=WorldOnAlert|work=Twitter|access-date=10 April 2016}}</ref> and quickly recaptured eight villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-8-villages-northern-aleppo/|title=ISIS captures 8 villages in northern Aleppo|author=Leith Fadel|date=10 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=10 April 2016|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630031804/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-8-villages-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/22822/ISIS_Seize_Over__Villages_In_Northern_Aleppo|title=ISIS Seize Over 8 Villages In Northern Aleppo|access-date=10 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019083945/http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/22822/ISIS_Seize_Over__Villages_In_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> Still, the rebels once again seized four of the villages several hours later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=165947|title=معارك متواصلة وقوات النظام تنفذ هجوماً معاكساً بريف حلب الجنوبي وتتقدم في عدة محاور|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=10 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/22859/Opposition_Forces_Re_Seize_Over_Villages_Northern_Aleppo|title=Opposition Forces Re-Seize Over Villages Northern Aleppo|access-date=10 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084403/http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/22859/Opposition_Forces_Re_Seize_Over_Villages_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the day, the international Coalition conducted at least 22 air-strikes on ISIL positions as ground fighting continued.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=165953|title=22 ضربة جوية ترافق المعارك المتواصلة بالريف الشمالي لحلب وشهداء وجرحى في قصف جوي على مناطق فيها|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> On 11 April, ISIL continued with its counter-attack and retook al-Rai<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-militants-idUSKCN0X80J9|title=Islamic State regains Syrian stronghold near Turkey border: monitor|author=Reuters Editorial|date=11 April 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> and four other villages.<ref name=reseize>{{cite web|url=http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/22927/ISIS_Re_Seize_Over_Ra%26%3Bei_Town_In_Aleppo_Countryside|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019064731/http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/22927/ISIS_Re_Seize_Over_Ra%26%3Bei_Town_In_Aleppo_Countryside|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=syriahr166034>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=166034|title=تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" يستعيد السيطرة الكاملة على أهم معاقله – بلدة الراعي بريف حلب الشمالي|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> In all, ISIL had recaptured in the previous two days, beside al-Rai, 17 other villages.<ref name=reseize2>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/24Aleppo/status/719629860289835009|title=Aleppo24|work=Twitter|access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> The ISIL counter-offensive included attacks by 11 suicide car-bombers against rebel positions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-sweeps-dozen-rebel-held-villages-northern-aleppo-map-update/|title=ISIS sweeps through a dozen rebel villages in northern Aleppo - Map update|author=Chris Tomson|date=11 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124000037/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-sweeps-dozen-rebel-held-villages-northern-aleppo-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the end of the day, the rebels managed once again to retake control of eight villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=166100|title=الفصائل تعاود التقدم في ريف حلب الشمالي وقصف جوي على تادف|author=suliman|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=reseize2/> As of 12 April, ISIL was reportedly in control of 13 localities they had previously lost, including al-Rai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-defenses-collapse-northern-aleppo-isis-seizes-13-villages-48-hours/|title=Rebel defenses collapse in northern Aleppo as ISIS seizes 13 villages in 48 hours|author=Leith Fadel|date=12 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426142824/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-defenses-collapse-northern-aleppo-isis-seizes-13-villages-48-hours/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
By 13 April, the rebels managed to retake three villages once again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23176/Opposition_forces_repel_SDF%E2%80%99s_attack_near_Tal_Refaat|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019085151/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23176/Opposition_forces_repel_SDF%E2%80%99s_attack_near_Tal_Refaat|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=166223|title=الفصائل الإسلامية والمقاتلة تعاود التقدم بريف حلب الشمالي ومعارك مستمرة بالريف الجنوبي|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> However, on 14 April, ISIL seized 10 new villages, practically cutting rebel forces in two. Rebels in the town of Dudyan were effectively surrounded. The most important village that ISIL captured was Hiwar Kallis, about one kilometer south of the Turkish border. During the ISIL advance, hundreds of rebel fighters retreated across the border into Turkey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-flee-across-turkish-border-isis-snatches-villages-map-update/|title=Rebels flee across Turkish border as ISIS snatches more villages - Map update|author=Chris Tomson|date=14 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621194114/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-flee-across-turkish-border-isis-snatches-villages-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210899#.Vw_K23F96Uk|title=ISIS seizes Syria villages near Turkish border|work=Arutz Sheva|date=14 April 2016 |access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23230/ISIS_Seize_Over_Villages_Northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019085748/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23230/ISIS_Seize_Over_Villages_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/04/14/aerial-bombardment-targets-areas-of-aleppo-and-continued-clashes-in-shekh-maqsoud/|title=Aerial bombardment targets areas of Aleppo and continued clashes in Shekh Maqsoud|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/group-makes-gains-northern-syria-regime-rebels-101400489.html|title=IS group makes gains in northern Syria from regime, rebels|date=16 April 2016|agency=AFP|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> By the following day, the rebels re-secured five villages, including Hiwar Kallis, reconnecting the two rebel areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-attack-isis-northern-aleppo-reopen-border-corridor-map-update/|title=Rebels attack ISIS in northern Aleppo and reopen border corridor - Map update|author=Chris Tomson|date=15 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622033925/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-attack-isis-northern-aleppo-reopen-border-corridor-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23262/Opposition_forces_recaptured_three_villages_in_north_of_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019090431/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23262/Opposition_forces_recaptured_three_villages_in_north_of_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/04/14/violent-clashes-near-the-turkish-borders/|title=Violent clashes near the Turkish borders|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref>
Between 15 and 16 April, the back-and-forth fighting continued, with ISIL once again taking control of two villages, while the rebels took two others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23376/ISIS_Expands_Northern_And_Southern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019090442/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23376/ISIS_Expands_Northern_And_Southern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23413/Fits_Battles_And_Exchange_Domination_Between_Opposition_And_ISIS_Northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019090454/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23413/Fits_Battles_And_Exchange_Domination_Between_Opposition_And_ISIS_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/72f089a06e384dbb886b52fa9d9da504/captures-several-villages-syrian-troops-aleppo|title=Syrian opposition rejects offer over transitional period|work=The Big Story|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213172014/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/72f089a06e384dbb886b52fa9d9da504/captures-several-villages-syrian-troops-aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 17 April, ISIL again captured the village of Tall Battal, west of al-Rai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=166684|title=تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" يتقدم مجدداً في ريف حلب الشمالي قرب الحدود مع تركيا|author=edward|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref>
Four days after ISIL regained most of the villages it had lost, the rebels launched a new assault and once again retook two villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23942/Opposition_seize_over_Kafrshoosh_village_and_approaching_from_Braghida|title=Qasion News Agency|access-date=28 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019091046/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/23942/Opposition_seize_over_Kafrshoosh_village_and_approaching_from_Braghida|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, ISIL retook them the following day,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-two-villages-northern-aleppo/|title=ISIS captures two villages in northern Aleppo|author=News Desk|date=22 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 April 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621172324/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-two-villages-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as well as one other.<ref name=advances>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/04/19886/|title=ISIS advances against Syrian rebels in Aleppo, loses ground to Kurds in Hasakah|work=ARA News|date=24 April 2016|access-date=24 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009213137/http://aranews.net/2016/04/19886/|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Second ISIL counter-attack===
Between 26 and 27 April, ISIL launched a new counter-attack, seizing five or six villages, including Dudyan. The rebels retreated to Azaz and Hiwar Kallis. ISIL's advance put them in a good position to strike both Azaz and Mare'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/isil-advances-against-rebels-in-north-syria.aspx?pageID=238&nID=98416&NewsCatID=352|title=ISIL advances against rebels in north Syria|author=AP|work=AP|access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-5-villages-northern-aleppo/|title=ISIS captures 5 villages in northern Aleppo|author=Leith Fadel|date=27 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 April 2016|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622035438/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-5-villages-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=167794|title=جيش الثوار يتهم الفصائل بـ "بيع الريف الشمالي لتنظيم داعش" وهدوء يسود مدينة حلب بعد يوم راح ضحيته 20 شهيداً على الأقل|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24351/ISIS_Seize_Over_Six_Villages_In_Northern_Aleppo|title=ISIS Seize Over Six Villages In Northern Aleppo|access-date=28 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019091105/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24351/ISIS_Seize_Over_Six_Villages_In_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hours later, the rebels recaptured Dudyan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-strike-back-isis-northern-aleppo-recapture-dudiyan/|title=Rebels strike back against ISIS in northern Aleppo and recapture Dudiyan|author=Chris Tomson|date=27 April 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 April 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621172357/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-strike-back-isis-northern-aleppo-recapture-dudiyan/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/04/28/11-fighters-at-least-from-the-rebel-factions-killed-in-the-clashes-in-the-northern-countryside-of-aleppo-against-the-syrian-democratic-forces-and-more-bombing-and-raids-on-the-city/|title=11 fighters at least from the rebel factions killed in the clashes in the northern countryside of Aleppo against The Syrian Democratic Forces and more bombing and raids on the city|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref> Between 28 and 30 April, the rebels re-seized three other villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24597/Syrian_opposition_forces_re_seize_over_Qasajek_village_in_Aleppo_countryside|title=Syrian opposition forces re-seize over Qasajek village in Aleppo countryside|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019091906/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24597/Syrian_opposition_forces_re_seize_over_Qasajek_village_in_Aleppo_countryside|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24662/Opposition_Seize_Over_Tal_Shae%E2%80%99er_%E2%80%A6_Dozens_Of_Airstrikes_Hits_Aleppo_Countryside|title=Opposition Seize Over Tal Shae'er … Dozens Of Airstrikes Hits Aleppo Countryside|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092613/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24662/Opposition_Seize_Over_Tal_Shae%E2%80%99er_%E2%80%A6_Dozens_Of_Airstrikes_Hits_Aleppo_Countryside|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=167932|title=اشتباكات يشهدها ريفا حلب الشمالي والجنوبي وتجدد استهداف أحياء بالمدينة بالقذائف والقصف|author=suliman|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref>
Between 1 and 3 May, ISIL once again seized Dudiyan, as well as seven other villages,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fights-back-northern-aleppo-captures-7-villages-rebels/|title=ISIS fights back in northern Aleppo and captures 7 villages from rebels|author=Chris Tomson|date=3 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=7 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007224955/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fights-back-northern-aleppo-captures-7-villages-rebels/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24953/ISIS_Seize_Over__Villages_Northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency - ISIS Seize Over 5 Villages Northern Aleppo|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092619/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24953/ISIS_Seize_Over__Villages_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> although they lost Dudiyan and two others several hours later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24836/Opposition_announce_the_seizure_of_the_whole_areas_captured_by_ISIS_in_Aleppo_countryside|title=Qasion News Agency - Opposition announce the seizure of the whole areas captured by ISIS in Aleppo countryside|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092627/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/24836/Opposition_announce_the_seizure_of_the_whole_areas_captured_by_ISIS_in_Aleppo_countryside|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dudiyan changed hands three more times between 5 and 7 May, eventually coming again under ISIL control.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/archicivilians/status/728253130492809217|title=archicivilians|work=Twitter|access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref><ref name=recapturetwo>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/25314/Opposition_forces_recapture_two_villages_in_north_of_Aleppo_and_kill__fighters_of_ISIS|title=Qasion News Agency - Opposition forces recapture two villages in north of Aleppo and kill 20 fighters of ISIS|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092636/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/25314/Opposition_forces_recapture_two_villages_in_north_of_Aleppo_and_kill__fighters_of_ISIS|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Between 7 and 13 May, back-and-forth fighting continued at four villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-truce-syrias-aleppo-extended-days-38949740|title=13 Members of Iran's Elite Force Killed in Syria|author=ABC News|work=ABC News|access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref><ref name=recapturetwo/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-rebels-recapture-two-villages-isis-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian rebels recapture two villages from ISIS in northern Aleppo|author=Chris Tomson|date=11 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621175408/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-rebels-recapture-two-villages-isis-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-recaptures-two-villages-northern-aleppo-2/|title=ISIS recaptures two villages in northern Aleppo|author=Leith Fadel|date=13 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621172331/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-recaptures-two-villages-northern-aleppo-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Between 15 and 17 May, three villages were once again under rebel control,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/26129/Opposition_forces_recapture_Tal_Hussin_village_and_begin_to_break_into_Talalin|title=Qasion News Agency - Opposition forces recapture Tal-Hussin village and begin to break into Talalin|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092645/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/26129/Opposition_forces_recapture_Tal_Hussin_village_and_begin_to_break_into_Talalin|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/26304/Opposition_Seize_Over_Al_Boll_And_Defeats_The_Regime_In_Handarat|title=Qasion News Agency - Opposition Seize Over Al-Boll And Defeats The Regime In Handarat|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092653/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/26304/Opposition_Seize_Over_Al_Boll_And_Defeats_The_Regime_In_Handarat|url-status=dead}}</ref> preventing a potential ISIL attack on Azaz.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-temporarily-secure-azaz-pocket-isis-invasion-map-update/|title=Rebels temporarily secure Azaz pocket from ISIS invasion - Map update|author=Chris Tomson|date=15 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621194200/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-temporarily-secure-azaz-pocket-isis-invasion-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, ISIL took five villages on 19 May, including those they lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-5-villages-along-turkish-border-al-amaq/|title=ISIS seizes 5 villages along the Turkish border: Al-Amaq|author=Leith Fadel|date=19 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621173844/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-5-villages-along-turkish-border-al-amaq/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-recaptures-villages-lost-rebels-northern-aleppo/|title=ISIS recaptures all villages lost to rebels in northern Aleppo|author=Chris Tomson|date=21 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621194124/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-recaptures-villages-lost-rebels-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Siege of Mare' and ISIL assault on Azaz===
{{See also|Manbij offensive}}
On 26 May, ISIL launched a new assault, quickly collapsing the rebel frontline. ISIL captured several new villages, came to within 5 kilometers of Azaz and reduced rebel territory to less than 20 villages. Later in the evening, ISIL made more advances and cut the rebel's supply line to Mare'.<ref name=cling>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-cling-survival-isis-advance-northern-aleppo-map-update/|title=Rebels cling to survival after ISIS advance in northern Aleppo - Map update|author=Chris Tomson|date=27 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416045923/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-cling-survival-isis-advance-northern-aleppo-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=collapses>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-frontline-collapses-rural-aleppo-map-update/|title=Rebel frontline collapses in northern Aleppo - Map update|author=Chris Tomson|date=27 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416054440/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-frontline-collapses-rural-aleppo-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/27242/ISIS_advance_in_north_of_Aleppo_and_besieged_the_stronghold_of_opposition|title=Qasion News Agency - ISIS advance in north of Aleppo and besieged the stronghold of opposition|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019084413/http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/27242/ISIS_advance_in_north_of_Aleppo_and_besieged_the_stronghold_of_opposition|url-status=dead}}</ref> 30–33 rebels and 11 ISIL fighters were killed, and another 10 rebels were captured. The surprise ISIL attack forced the evacuation of medical facilities and the fleeing of civilians from the area. An estimated 100,000–160,000 civilians were reported trapped in the rebel pocket on the border with Turkey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUKKCN0YI1C2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528130912/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUKKCN0YI1C2|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 May 2016|title=Islamic State advance near Turkish border, civilians trapped|author=John Davison|date=27 May 2016|work=Reuters UK|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/27/medics-civilians-flee-northern-aleppo-surprise-isis-attack-syria|title=Medics and civilians flee northern Aleppo amid surprise Isis attack|author=Kareem Shaheen|work=the Guardian|date=27 May 2016 |access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.trust.org/item/20160527105725-46is2/|title=Islamic State advance near Turkish border, civilians trapped|author=Thomson Reuters Foundation|work=news.trust.org|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref> On 27 May, ISIL continued to advance, taking more territory and reaching the eastern outskirts of Azaz.<ref name=peto>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/736253074306666497|title=Peto Lucem|work=Twitter|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref> However, a rebel counter-attack during the day, backed-up by U.S. airstrikes,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-airstrikes-propel-fsa-recapture-tatiyah-northern-aleppo/|title=US airstrikes propel the FSA to recapture Tatiyah in northern Aleppo|author=Leith Fadel|date=27 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416054313/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-airstrikes-propel-fsa-recapture-tatiyah-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> recaptured four villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27296/Opposition_Groups_Re_Capture_Over__Villages_In_Aleppo_Countryside|title=Qasion News Agency - Opposition Groups Re-Capture Over 4 Villages In Aleppo Countryside|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092703/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27296/Opposition_Groups_Re_Capture_Over__Villages_In_Aleppo_Countryside|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the evening, ISIL's attack on Mare' started.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-storms-key-rebel-town-northern-aleppo/|title=ISIS storms key rebel town in northern Aleppo|author=Leith Fadel|date=28 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416063042/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-storms-key-rebel-town-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 28 May, the Kurdish-led [[Syrian Democratic Forces|SDF]] secured [[Shaykh Issa]], one of two towns in the Mare' pocket, to prevent its capture by ISIL forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-capture-village-turkish-backed-rebels-northern-aleppo-map/|title=US backed rebels capture village from Turkish backed rebels in northern Aleppo: map|author=Leith Fadel|date=28 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621194113/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-capture-village-turkish-backed-rebels-northern-aleppo-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, five ISIL attacks against Mare' were repelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27374/Opposition_Regain_Control_In_Seize_Over_Positions_Northern_Aleppo|title=Qasion News Agency - Opposition Regain Control In Seize Over Positions Northern Aleppo|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092718/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27374/Opposition_Regain_Control_In_Seize_Over_Positions_Northern_Aleppo|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the beginning of the assault on Mare', two ISIL suicide bombers hit rebel positions, after which ISIL forces managed to enter the town from the east and street fighting started.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/474d850e0337427b88da0529d03720e9|title=Syria rebels attacked by IS militants, government troops|date=28 May 2016|work=AP News|access-date=29 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/gulf-backed-rebels-falling-apart-northern-aleppo/|title=Gulf backed rebels falling apart in northern Aleppo: map|author=Leith Fadel|date=29 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622034110/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/gulf-backed-rebels-falling-apart-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the fighting, ISIL fighters surrounded the town's hospital for 10 hours<ref name=flee>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/212933#.V0rWMrh96Uk|title=Thousands flee ISIS offensive in northern Syria|work=Arutz Sheva|date=29 May 2016 |access-date=29 May 2016}}</ref> and attempted to storm it before being repelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/305136/islamic-state-repelled-on-two-fronts|title=Islamic State repelled on two fronts|date=29 May 2016|work=Radio New Zealand|access-date=29 May 2016}}</ref> At one point, a U.S. air-strike accidentally hit a rebel position killing seven rebels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-airstrike-accidentally-kills-gulf-backed-rebels-northern-aleppo/|title=US airstrike accidentally kills Gulf backed rebels in northern Aleppo|author=Leith Fadel|date=29 May 2016|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622035718/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-airstrike-accidentally-kills-gulf-backed-rebels-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 29 May, the rebels recaptured the Scientific Research area near Azaz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/05/29/46490|title=Jaysh al-Thowwar control Sheikh Issa village and more than 6000 citizens are displaced to areas controlled by The Syrian Democratic Forces|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=29 May 2016}}</ref> By this point, 61 rebels, 47 ISIL fighters and 29 civilians had been killed since the start of the ISIL offensive.<ref name=flee/> Meanwhile, the SDF closed the corridors it had opened earlier for civilians and wounded coming from Azaz and Mare' into Kurdish territory after rebel forces continued to attack the Kurdish-held part of Aleppo city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/05/30/46543|title=YPG re-close the roads they opened in previous agreements with local factions and parties in the countryside of Aleppo|access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> 6,000 civilians fled to the Kurdish Afrin canton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/thousands-of-syrians-trapped-as-is-pushes-to-border/3351608.html|title=Thousands of Syrians Trapped as Islamic State Pushes to Border|access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> At the same time, the Sharia Court in Azaz issued an order that civilians would not be allowed to enter the town due to the possibility of ISIL infiltrators being among the refugees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/05/30/46555|title=Sharia Court in Azaz closes the crossings to Azaz in the face of the civilians|access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> The SDF corridor was reopened after one day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2016/06/02/%d8%b4%d9%87%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%a1-%d9%85%d8%b9%d8%b8%d9%85%d9%87%d9%85-%d8%a3%d8%b7%d9%81%d8%a7%d9%84-%d9%88%d9%85%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%b7%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d9%82%d8%b5%d9%81-%d8%b5%d8%a7%d8%b1/|title=شهداء معظمهم أطفال ومواطنات في قصف صاروخي على حي العامرية وقوات سوريا الديمقراطية تواصل محاولات تقدمها في ريف منبج|last=Editor6|access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>
By 30 May, of the nine villages they had initially lost,<ref name=cling/><ref name=peto/> the rebels managed to recapture five, including one of the two on the road between Azaz and Mare'.<ref name=may30>{{cite web|url=http://edmaps.com/html/azaz_may_30_3_pm.html|title=Azaz_May_30 3 PM|access-date=4 June 2016|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009193859/http://edmaps.com/html/azaz_may_30_3_pm.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 31 May, the rebels, supported by Turkish artillery, launched an attack on the second village in an attempt to break the siege of Mare'. During the fighting, the rebels destroyed an ISIL car-bomb.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27612/Opposition_attacks_Kufr_Kalbin_village_with_supporting_by_Turkish_artillery|title=Opposition attacks Kufr-Kalbin village with supporting by Turkish artillery - Qasion News Agency|access-date=4 June 2016|archive-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617181241/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/27612/Opposition_attacks_Kufr_Kalbin_village_with_supporting_by_Turkish_artillery|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the rebel counter-attack eventually failed when an ISIL suicide bomber killed six rebels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/civilians-flee-bombardment-syria-rebel-held-idlib-160601044657018.html|title=Syria's civil war: Civilians flee Idlib bombardment|access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>
Early on 2 June, the U.S.-led Coalition reportedly parachuted a large weapons cache to the rebels surrounded in Mare'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/u/|title=US parachutes weapons to rebels surrounded by ISIS in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=3 June 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=4 June 2016|archive-date=7 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007225008/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/u/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 8 June, the siege of Mare' was broken after rebel forces recaptured several villages on the road between Azaz and Mare'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2016/06/08/%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%81%d8%b5%d8%a7%d8%a6%d9%84-%d8%aa%d9%86%d9%81%d8%b0-%d9%87%d8%ac%d9%88%d9%85%d8%a7%d9%8b-%d9%85%d8%b9%d8%a7%d9%83%d8%b3%d8%a7%d9%8b-%d9%82%d8%b1%d8%a8-%d9%85%d8%af%d9%8a%d9%86%d8%a9/|title=الفصائل تنفذ هجوماً معاكساً قرب مدينة مارع وتستعيد السيطرة على بلدة وقرية وتقترب من فك الحصار عن المدينة|last=Editor4|access-date=10 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-northwest-idUSKCN0YU0PT|title=Islamic State withdraws from northwest Syria frontlines|date=8 June 2016|access-date=10 June 2016|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pulls-azaz-frontline-sdf-enters-manbij-city-map-update/|title=ISIS pulls out of Azaz frontline as the SDF enters Manbij city - Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=8 June 2016|access-date=10 June 2016|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018070619/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pulls-azaz-frontline-sdf-enters-manbij-city-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/28405/Opposition_break_the_siege_by_ISIS_on_Mare%E2%80%99a|title=Opposition break the siege by ISIS on Mare'a - Qasion News Agency|access-date=10 June 2016|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009194721/http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/28405/Opposition_break_the_siege_by_ISIS_on_Mare%E2%80%99a|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later during the day, ISIL retreated from nine other towns and villages, although the rebels had not yet entered them to take control out of fear they would be ambushed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/06/08/47063|title=The "Islamic State" retreat from more towns and villages in the northern countryside of Aleppo and 16 members from the "Islamic state" killed in the targeting by the warplanes of the International Coalition in the vicinity of Manbej, and the Syria Democratic Forces continue advancing in the area|access-date=10 June 2016}}</ref><ref name=rapidly>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-advance-rapidly-amid-full-scale-isis-retreat-northern-aleppo-map-update/|title=Rebels advance rapidly amid full scale ISIS retreat in northern Aleppo - Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=8 June 2016|access-date=10 June 2016|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630001340/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-advance-rapidly-amid-full-scale-isis-retreat-northern-aleppo-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Aftermath==
In the weeks that followed, back-and-forth fighting in the area continued, with the rebels taking seven villages, including al-Rai, before they were once again recaptured by ISIL.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-seven-border-villages-weakened-rebels-northern-aleppo/ |title=ISIS seizes seven border villages from weakened rebels in northern Aleppo |access-date=27 June 2016 |archive-date=30 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630001239/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-seven-border-villages-weakened-rebels-northern-aleppo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==See also==
*[[East Aleppo offensive (2015–16)]]
*[[Northern Aleppo offensive (February 2016)]]
*[[2016 Khanasir offensive]]
*[[2016 Southern Aleppo campaign]]
*[[Aleppo offensive (June–August 2016)]]
{{Portal|Asia}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Syrian Civil War}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Northern Aleppo offensive (2016 03-06)}}
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2016]]
[[Category:Aleppo in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Turkey]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
[[Category:March 2016 events in Syria]]
[[Category:April 2016 events in Syria]]
[[Category:May 2016 events in Syria]]
[[Category:June 2016 events in Syria]]