Special to WorldTribune.com

NICOSIA — Al Qaida’s Nusra Front for the Defense of Levant has launched a major offensive in southern Syria.

Nusra has organized Islamic and U.S.-backed rebel militias for an offensive against the Syrian Army in the southern province of Dera. In the first stage of the offensive, Nusra captured the army’s 82nd Brigade headquarters and attacked the 60th Brigade.

“The target is the 60th Brigade,” the Nusra-led coalition said.

In a statement on Jan. 25, the coalition said Islamic forces were targeting Syrian Army units around such towns as Naema, Sehelia and Yadouda. The statement said the 60th Brigade has deployed anti-tank and engineering forces in Dera to stop the rebel offensive.

Casualties were said to have been heavy on both sides. The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Syrian Air Force strikes on rebel strongholds, particularly Sheik Meskin, home to the 82nd Brigade.

“Violent clashes are still erupting between the regime forces supported by National Defense Forces and Hizbullah against Nusra Front, rebel and Islamic battalions in the town of Sheik Meskin and in the northwestern countryside of Dera leading to the death of nine fighters from the Islamic battalions, including a field commander,” Syrian Observatory said.

  Al Qaida’s Nusra leads U.S.-backed rebels in major offensive against Syrian Army, WorldTribune.com