Fighting in Syria closes in on Aleppo

BEIRUT -- Fierce fighting was reported in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday as rebels said their forces were pushing toward the center of the nation's business and financial hub.

As the embattled government has exerted renewed control of the capital, Damascus, site of almost a week of recent battles, the focus has shifted to the historic northern city of about 2 million people.

For months, Syria's two principal cities had been relatively insulated from the fighting raging in strife-ridden provinces. In the last 10 days, rebels have mounted attacks in both cities.

There were reports that government forces in Aleppo had used warplanes to fire rockets at rebel positions. The use of fixed-wing aircraft, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalation in efforts to put down the rebellion against President Bashar Assad.

-- Los Angeles Times