Syrian army captures key jump-off point for Aleppo assault from ISIS

The Syrian army, with the help of heavy bombing by the Russian air force, completed its capture of the city of Khanasser from ISIS on Thursday afternoon. Khanasser, south of Aleppo, is strategically located on the road used for supplying food, medicines, weapons and ammunition to the besieged northern city. Thursday's capture marked the reconnection of the only route from territories controlled by the army to the northern city. Khanasser is expected to be used as a jump-off point by Syrian forces in the operation aimed at capturing Aleppo from the terrorist organization.