Special to WorldTribune.com

NICOSIA — Al Qaida is targeting Shi’ite communities in Syria.

Al Qaida’s Nusra Front for the Defense of Levant has been attacking Shi’ite towns in northern Syria. On Jan. 8, Nusra opened an offensive against Nubul and Zahra, which prompted a vigorous defense by Shi’ite residents in the Aleppo province.

“The attack began on Thursday [Jan. 8 ],” Nusra said.

This marked a rare offensive by Nusra on Shi’ite communities in Syria. Nusra has expanded operations in northern Syria after expelling U.S.-supported Sunni rebel militias in late 2014.

Syrian sources said Nusra embarked on its second attack on Nubul and Zahra within a week. They said Nusra sustained high casualties in the assault against the two Shi’ite communities, defended by residents as well as the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah and National Defense Forces. The towns are located near the highway to Aleppo.

Nubul and Zahra, with a reported population of 40,000, have long been targeted by Sunni rebels. Islamic militias have sought to impose a siege on the towns since 2013.

Nusra was also involved in heavy fighting around Aleppo city. On Jan. 7, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported battles that included Nusra against Hizbullah and Shi’ite fighters from Afghanistan and Iran.

“Information reported an advance by Nusra and battalions in the area,” Syrian Observatory said.

  Al Qaida in heavy fighting with pro-Iran forces defending Shi’ites towns in Syria, WorldTribune.com