Syrian Rebels' Northern Gains

Syria's rebels have been making significant gains in the north that could culminate in the capital, Damascus, being cut off from the Alawite-dominated coast. As part of the rebel push in the north, heavily armed rebels from five different units launched an attack Nov. 3 on the Taftanaz Air Base, one of the most important regime air bases in Idlib province, which serves as a major hub for the Syrian military's helicopter operations. The attack came shortly after significant rebel gains in the north, including the seizure of Saraqeb and the advance on Harim, illustrating a shifting dynamic in the fighting and a clear erosion of the regime's strategic position in northern Syria. If the rebels can secure the north, including the strategic city of Aleppo, they will be positioned to mount an expanded offensive in Latakia province and seek to connect with beleaguered units in the Orontes River Valley, cutting off Damascus from the sea.