On 2 March 2013, intense clashes between rebels and the Syrian Army erupted in the city of Raqqa, with many deaths reported on both sides.[142] On the same day, Syrian troops regained several villages near Aleppo.[143] By 3 March, rebels had overrun Raqqa's central prison and freed hundreds of prisoners, according to the SOHR.[144] The SOHR also stated that rebel fighters had taken control of most of an Aleppo police academy in Khan al-Asal, and that over 200 rebels and government troops had been killed fighting for control of it.[145]