World Bulletin / News Desk

At least 2,000 opposition fighters on Wednesday crossed the Turkish border heading for the Syrian town of Azaz in northern Aleppo province, a monitor said, where opposition forces have suffered setbacks at the hands of PYD and YPG forces.

The fighters have crossed the Bab al-Salam border crossing on their way to the town of Azaz, from which they want to help the insurgents in the face of gains made by PYD and YPG armed groups.

Opposition forces have lost ground to the regime troops in northern Aleppo province since they began a major offensive in the former opposition bastion backed by Russian air strikes.

Pressing their advantage, PYD and YPG forces have been taking ground in the fragmented region, most notably the city of Tal Rifaat, as they seek to carve out their own autonomous state.

The opposition now holds only the town of Azaz, not far from the Turkish border, and to the south Marea, which is currently almost encircled by PYD and YPG to the west and ISIL fighters to the east.