"The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) has seized complete control of Azaz. They are in control of the town's entrances," said Abu Ahmad, an activist inside the town.
Another activist, a resident of the border town, confirmed the report.
"ISIS are in full control. They are detaining people from their homes, and they are manning all the checkpoints," he told AFP via the Internet, speaking on condition of anonymity
... for fear of being murdered...
The development comes amid increasing reports of fighting in northern Syria between ISIS and non-jihadist rebels vying to bring down
Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneckal-Assad
Terror of Aleppo ...
's regime.
In a sign that Syria's conflict has grown highly localized in recent months, ISIS has fought side by side with rebels against government troops in other areas of the country.
In Azaz, reports emerged of continuing festivities.
Abu Ahmad said that after seizing the town, ISIS fighters were "on their way to the (nearby) Bab al-Salameh" border crossing with Turkey.
Bab al-Salameh has for months been under control of local rebels, chiefly the Northern Storm brigade.
News of the seizure of Azaz came after a battle lasting several hours between Northern Storm fighters and ISIS.
Among those reported killed in the festivities was Omar Diab, a media activist from Azaz.