Free Syrian army soldiers were forced to retreat from Aleppo under heavy fire of Syrian army 1008123

Conflict in the World - Syria War

Rebels said clashes continued in the district and that, while the government had at least 80 tanks stationed in various parts of Aleppo, the military appeared reluctant to engage in close combat, preferring to use helicopters and fighter jets.

The close quarter combat that must follow any artillery barrage will be even tougher in a city where the clear streets that armour need to remain mobile are blocked by mounds of rubble.

For days the Syrian army has bombarded rebel-held areas in Salaheddine, a southern gateway to the city, without committing ground forces in close quarters combat with rebels.

The delay in the ground operation could be the result of multiple calculations. The Syrian government forces may be awaiting more reinforcements, or it may have judged that more time is needed to soften up rebel positions.

State media reported that the government offensive in Aleppo had taken place on several fronts, including a neighbourhood near the airport in southeast Aleppo, several eastern districts, and a town on Aleppo's northwestern outskirts, state media said.

Kassem Saadeddine, a spokesperson for the Free Syrian Army, said that the rebel withdrawal "does not mean we are leaving Aleppo. We have military plans to fight in the city, but we cannot reveal them".