On 9 July, the rebels launched a counter-attack against government positions near the Castello Road, which was led by two suicide car-bombers.[66] Initially, the rebels recaptured some areas near the Castello Road,[67] but subsequently lost them again,[68] as the military managed to repel the attack.[19] During the assault, the rebels were also confronted with mines placed by the military.[69] Meanwhile, the Army advanced in the al-Layramoun[70][71] and al-Khalidiyah districts.[72] Later that night, heavy Russian air-strikes hit rebel forces along the road to the Mallah Farms, as the rebels were regrouping for a second attempt to reopen the Castello Road.[73] A third suicide car-bomb was also used.