9 killed as rebels attack in divided Aleppo: media

PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria's state news agency says rebel fire has killed at least nine civilians in the government- controlled section of the divided northern city of Aleppo, the Associated Press reports.

SANA reported on Tuesday, August 2 that four women and three children were among the nine killed when rebels shelled and fired at three front-line neighborhoods.

Fighting has intensified around Aleppo since the government sealed off the lifeline to the Aleppo rebel-controlled neighborhoods. The rebels have launched a counteroffensive, clashing with government forces on various fronts.

Meanwhile, a Syrian military official says the army repelled a rebel attack in Handarat, north of Aleppo. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Rebel spokesman Abdul-Salam Abdul-Razzek says clashes were intense with government forces near al-Ramouseh, along a strategic government-controlled highway and artillery base south of Aleppo.