Syrian forces clash with rebels around Aleppo

[February 27, 2013]  BEIRUT (AP) -- Anti-regime activists say Syrian rebels are clashing with government forces on two sides of the northern city of Aleppo as well as near its historic mosque.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says at least six rebels were killed in fighting Wednesday near a police academy west of the city and clashes also raged on a key supply road leading to the southeast part of the city.

The Observatory also says rebel and regime forces controlled different parts of the 12th century Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo's walled city.

Syria's largest city, Aleppo, has been a key battleground in the civil war since rebels entered the city in July 2012.

The U.N. says more than 70,000 people have been killed since Syria's civil war started in March 2011.

[Associated Press]

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