Russian forces have stepped up airstrikes on Aleppo, causing heavy civilian casualties and massive damage to infrastructure in the city.
The PYD-affiliated militia, meanwhile, took advantage of the Russian bombardment on rebel and FSA positions in northern Aleppo to advance in areas north of the city.
Aleppo provincial council declared a state of emergency in the rebel-held parts of the city after regime forces and the PYD militias have tightened the noose on the city.
Deputy head of the council Zakaria Aminu said the council appealed to humanitarian and non-governmental organizations to exert pressure on the Assad regime to lift the siege it has recently imposed on Aleppo and to allow the introduction of food and medical supplies as well as fuel to the besieged parts of the city.
Aminu pointed out that nearly 400,000 people are now trapped in the liberated parts of Aleppo. The council declared a state of emergency and will take a series of measures to manage the new situation, including a reduction in operational and service related expenses to 50% and an increase of flour supplies in the markets to maintain current prices of bread.
At least 11 people were killed and many more wounded earlier on Thursday in airstrikes by the Assad regime and Russian jets on the city’s eastern parts. The victims included seven in the neighborhood of Alsakhour, three in the neighborhood of Alsukkari, and one in Bustan Alqasr. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Smart News Network+ Agencies)