Syrian rebel fighters launched a massive attack Wednesday on the main prison in Aleppo, hoping to free hundreds of inmates who oppose President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Opposition forces set off two car bombs outside the prison walls, The Associated Press reported. They then tried to storm the building and fierce fighting ensued, AP said.
The prison is believed to hold about 4,000 inmates. An estimated 250 of them are imprisoned for accused crimes against Mr. Assad’s regime, AP reported.
The casualty count from the prison break attempt is not known.
Meanwhile, the country is facing its second widespread Internet blackout in two weeks. Syria residents reported that the Internet service went offline; the blackout was confirmed by the U.S.-based Renesys Corp., AP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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