10 Aug 2012

Rebels on backfoot in Aleppo

9:51 am on 10 August 2012

Rebel commanders in Syria say they have lost control of a strategic district in the northern city of Aleppo.

The city is under fresh bombardment, as the army tries to recapture areas seized by rebels.

The Free Syrian Army has confirmed it has retreated from Salah al-Din, a densely packed area of narrow streets on the south-west side of Aleppo, where rebel fighters had been heavily dug in.

State media had reported the army was in full control of the district, saying it had inflicted heavy losses on "terrorist mercenaries".

The BBC reports the rebels still control several other districts, including some in the east of the city.

The Red Cross has delivered vital food and medical supplies to Aleppo.

It's the first time one of its aid convoys had managed to enter the city since the fighting intensified several weeks ago.

The aid will be distributed by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.