Rebels attack Syrian air base

(Vatican Radio) Syrian rebels have clashed with government troops over control of an air defense base near the country's most populous city.

Activists say rebels attacked the air force post outside Aleppo, but there are conflicting reports as to whether the rebels have taken over the base.

The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that six rebels were killed in an attack on a military checkpoint in Dara'a province that left 14 soldiers dead.

The group says air bombardments and heavy clashes are taking place in Idlib and Aleppo provinces.

Meanwhile, U.N. special envoy to Syrian Lakhdar Brahimi spoke with Saudi King Abdullah about the crisis Friday.

Meeting in Jeddah, the two agreed on the need to stop the bloodshed and aid the millions of Syrians affected by the violence in the country.

The talks come a day after Turkey defended its decision to intercept a Syrian-bound plane that it says was carrying military equipment and ammunition destined for Syria's government.

The incident has increased tensions between Turkey and Syria, countries that in recent weeks have exchanged artillery fire across their shared border.

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