Syrian rebels gain ground in Aleppo on eve of truce

Anti-regime forces made major advances in Syria's largest city yesterday, claiming to have seized new areas in fighting on the eve of an internationally mandated ceasefire that will theoretically run until Monday.

Activists in Aleppo reported heavy clashes, particularly around a military airport.

Bassam al-Dada, a spokesman for the rebels, said they had taken several areas that have seen months of clashes, including the south-western neighbourhoods of Salaheddin and Suleiman a-Halabi.

AP.