Battle Rages in Aleppo

Syrian government forces are reported using tanks and artillery against rebels in the major city of Aleppo, a day after the rebels held off a government offensive.

Syrian government forces are reported using tanks and artillery against rebels in the major city of Aleppo, a day after the rebels held off a government offensive.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says intense fighting is taking place Sunday in southwestern districts of the city. The battle for control of Aleppo, Syria’s commercial hub, is crucial for both the government and opposition.

The opposition Syrian National Council is urging the U.N. Security Council to hold an emergency session on Aleppo, alleging that the government is planning to commit a massacre there. As the fighting raged, Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid al-Mualem made a previously unannounced visit to Syria’s staunch ally, Iran.