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A pair of car bombs targeted two rebel bases north of the Syrian city of Aleppo on Tuesday, killing and wounding dozens, two activist groups said, The Associated Press reported.

The attacks targeted compounds belonging to Islamic opposition groups in the countryside north of Aleppo, a strategic stretch of territory because of its proximity to neighboring Turkey. Long a stronghold for Syrian rebels, the area has been a flash point since the Islamic State group advanced into the region several months ago.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the first bombing hit the town of Marea, killing at least seven people, including two rebel leaders, and wounding dozens more. It said a second explosion in the Hur Kilis area killed and wounded up to 40 people, although the Observatory did not have exact figures.

The Aleppo Media Center activist group put the toll in the first blast at 12 killed and more than 15 wounded. It reported at least 30 casualties in the second attack in Hur Kilis.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but suspicion fell on the Islamic State group, which frequently carries out such attacks.