Syrian Rebels Blast Army Post Tunnel   01/30 06:20

   BEIRUT (AP) -- Activists say Syrian opposition fighters have detonated a 
large amount of explosives in a tunnel under an army post in the northwestern 
province of Idlib, inflicting heavy casualties on the government troops.

   Idlib-based activist Ibrahim Ismail says the blast was followed by intense 
clashes as the rebels launched an attack to retake the Arbaeen Mountain area 
early on Friday.

   The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighting is 
some of the most intense in months, adding dozens of Syrian troops have been 
killed and wounded.

   The Observatory said the main rebel factions taking part in the attack 
include Suqour al-Sham as well as the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

   Last month, the Nusra Front and other rebel groups captured two major army 
bases in the province.


(KA)