Syrian government forces are trying to split opposition-held eastern Aleppo in two in a fierce ground and air assault that is taking a heavy toll on besieged civilians and rebel fighters who are battling hard to stop them, a rebel commander said. Abu Abdelrahman Nour, Aleppo commander of the Jabha Shamiya, one of the biggest groups fighting against President Bashar al-Assad in northern Syria, called for more help from countries such as France and Turkey, saying it would be a "catastrophe" if the government forces managed to bisect eastern Aleppo. In the latest fighting, the pro-government forces, identified by the rebels mainly as Shi'ite militias, have sought to advance into an area of northeastern Aleppo, Nour said. This is causing many injuries in the ranks of the revolutionaries," he said late on Wednesday via Skype from Aleppo. The aim is "to besiege Aleppo twice, and split it into two areas, and this will be a catastrophe if it happens", Nour said, explaining that the pro-government forces would then able to open new fronts in the battle for Aleppo.

Source: Egypt Independent November 25, 2016 08:38 UTC