Attacks by opposition gunmen on commercial flights have forced the international airport in Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, to shut down.

Clashes between government troops and rebels forced the international airport in Aleppo to stop all flights in and out (Photo: AP)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition group based in London, said the Aleppo airport was closed on Monday after a blast targeted a civilian airplane on Sunday. According to an unnamed airport official, there have been repeated attempts by opposition militants to target civilian aircraft. He said the airport will resume its operation in the next two days once the military regains control of nearby areas where opposition bases are located. Meanwhile airport administrators said the temporary shutdown serves the maintenance of runways and ground facilities.