Syria Rebels Capture Army Base In The North

Syrian rebels have captured parts of a strategic military base in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo.

Activists say the capture helps the opposition to tighten its hold on areas close to the Turkish border.

Opposition and government forces have been fighting to control Aleppo, which is the largest Syrian city and commercial capital.

The gain came as the European Union condemned the conflict in Syria.

While receiving the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the union, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called the current situation in Syria "a stain on the world's conscience."

He said the international community has a moral obligation to address the crisis.

In recent days, rebels in Syria have made tactical advances by seizing airbases near Damascus and Aleppo.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP