Syrian extremists intensify attacks, killing 71 people.

Rebels have seized 17 checkpoints from Syrian security forces in fierce fighting in the city of Idlib.

Rebels with anti-aircraft guns in Idlib city, Syria, on March 25 (photo: AFP)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported yesterday that Syrian security forces and pro-government forces had lost 17 checkpoints to the Al-Nusra Front and other Islamist groups operating around the city of Idlib.

These clashes occurred as part of an offensive in the city of Idlib launched on March 24 by Islamist militants, led by the Al-Nusra Front.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that heavy shelling by Islamist militants forced Syrian forces to erect new checkpoints and defensive positions in the city of Idlib.

The Idlib province is largely under the control of the Al-Nusra Front; however, the city of Idlib remains under the control of the Syrian government.

According to Vov.vn