The Syrian army is tightening its grip on the besieged city of Aleppo.
The London based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights say fierce fighting is taking place in Bustan al-Basha close to the ravaged city centre.
At the Atmeh border crossing between Turkey and Syria, close to Aleppo, a suicide bomber has killed at least 25 Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and injured many others.
#Aleppo | Pictures from #SyrianArmy controlled areas in Bustan al Basha district pic.twitter.com/k10MhWQX8q— Syria Today (@todayinsyria) 6 October 2016
ISIL has claimed responsibility for the carnage.
Turkey is supporting the rebels in an offensive further to the northeast at a separate stretch of frontier.
Footage of #SAA operations in Bustan al Basha #Aleppo pic.twitter.com/7hhWnbGvPA— Syria Today (@todayinsyria) 6 October 2016
The Atmeh crossing is vital to groups fighting both Assad loyalists and ISIL as it allows supplies from Idlib to reach Aleppo via Turkey.
In a chilling statement Syrian forces have warned anyone who remains in the city, after being given an opportunity to leave, faces an “inevitable fate.”