Syria prepares for looming battle

Rebel fighters attempted to assert control over half a dozen neighbourhoods in Aleppo, Syria’s commercial capital, prompting both the government and insurgents to send reinforcements.

Rebels have claimed responsibility for burning down several police stations in the area and residents said that they have come under machine-gun fire by government helicopters which  are also firing the occasional rocket as mortars are thrown by ground troops.

There have not been any reports of serious engagements of violence as yet although observers have indicated that one is looming.

Syrian army troops were brought in on trucks after visible security forces were withdrawn and deployed while thousands more were en route.

Public transport and bakeries have halted operation while hospitals are urging people to donate blood

People are remaining within their homes and have stocked up on canned goods in an attempt to wait out through the violent chaos while other are fleeing for fear of government forces “pounding them”.