Previously between 30 June and 3 July, rebels attempted to advance from Kikla toward the town of al-Qawalish.

They did so after NATO aircraft intensified bombing of the area and finally gave rebels the green light to advance.

Government troops started the attack after a group of rebels attempted to advance east of the town toward Gharyan.

The loyalists quickly swept through Qawalish from the east and reached as far as the checkpoint on the western edge of the village.

Still, by the evening, the rebels counter-attacked and after a five-hour battle they retook the town and chased loyalist forces to the outskirts of Asabah.