Aleppo Besieged

As Syrian forces eliminate the rebel remnant in the capital of Damascus, they mass on Aleppo. The largest city in the country has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the conflict.

Intel suggests that at least twenty thousand Syrian troops are near, around, and in the city. Artillery, tanks, helicopters, jets, and all the conventional means of modern warfare are at use.

National troops have been fighting in the southern and eastern districts, of the city, for some time. Anywhere that rebels occupy has been shelled and bombarded, killing many civilians. Rebel forces have continued to bring their own reinforcements to the city, making it look like Aleppo could be the crucial battle in the war.

At least twenty thousand Syrians have lost their lives during the seventeen month long fighting.

On Saturday, forty-eight Iranians were kidnapped from Damascus, by rebel groups. Iran is demanding the release of their citizens, calling them pilgrims. The rebels however say that some of their number are members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard.