Rebels announced the launch of a large-scale military operation in the Old City of Aleppo. Captain Mohammed Islam Alloush, military spokesman of the Islamic Front, said that the offensive is aimed at liberating the Zahrawi and Swaiqa districts, thus encircling the Citadel of Aleppo which regime forces turned into a major bastion. Activists said that around 50 pro-Assad militiamen were killed during clashes with rebels on the perimeter of the Citadel of Aleppo and the Carlton Hotel. Regime forces carried out barrel bomb attacks on Masaqen Hanano and the Industrial City, while ISIS militants murdered Muhammad Ali Hamadein on charges of being a member of the Civic Council. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Smart News)