Syria Rebels Withdraw from Aleppo District

An undated handout TV grab made available on 08 August 2012 by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syrian government soldiers during clashes with the alleged armed rebel groups in Salaheddine district in Aleppo, Syria. Photo by BGNES

Leaders of the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) have confirmed that they retreated from their stronghold in Aleppo amid massive regime bombardment.

"We have staged a tactical withdrawal from Salaheddin. The district is completely empty of rebel fighters. Regime forces are now advancing into Salaheddin," FSA commander Hossam Abu Mohammed said on Thursday, as cited by the BBC.

Abu Mohammed said about 40 rebels were killed Thursday in Aleppo.

Rebel leaders said they made a tactical withdrawal after a night of intensive attacks by planes and tanks on all three rebel frontlines.

They said that they would regroup in the neighbouring suburb of Sokari before counter-attacking and trying to surround the incursion.

International observers have said that the control over the country's most populous city is of crucial importance for both sides.

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