Aleppo under siege

2012-07-31 106

Syrian Free Army forces enter a home in rebel held part of Aleppo. They proceed to destroy any image of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Opposition activists in the city deny government reports that state forces have entered Aleppo's contested neighborhoods.

This group says this is a residence of police and security officers they have taken over.

. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED SYRIAN REBEL, SAYING:

"We came here and searched for police weapons. But they ran away after we entered the area. We are protecting this area from thieves and regime gangs."

In another part of the city rebels show what they say was Aleppo's police headquarters.

It was burnt down three days ago.

Military experts believe the rebels are too lightly armed and poorly commanded to overcome the Syrian army.

The rebels were emboldened to strike at Aleppo and Damascus after a July 18 explosion killed four of Assad's top security officials in a damaging blow at the president's inner circle.

The army has now regained its grip on the capital and is now intent on denying Aleppo to the rebels.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.

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