Smoke billows from buildings during clashes between Syrian rebels and pro-government forces in the Seif El Dawla district in the center of Aleppo city 22 August 2012. (Photo: Reuters - Youssef Boudlal)
The Syrian army recaptured three Christian neighborhoods in the historic heart of Aleppo from rebels Thursday, but fierce clashes continued in other parts of the northern city, residents said...
The West stepped up the pressure on President Bashar al-Assad's government, with Britain joining the United States in warning it against using its chemical weapons in a conflict that shows no sign of ending after more than 17 months of bloodshed.
Washington is also ramping up its military presence in the region, dispatching a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to deal with "threats" from Iran and the turmoil in Syria.
Aleppo residents spoke of heavy exchanges in the heart of the city during the army's offensive to recapture neighborhoods seized by the rebels at the weekend.
"We have had the worst two days of our lives," said Sonia, the wife of a wealthy businessman in the northern city told AFP.
"If our house weren't built like a fortress, we'd all be dead. The entrance is very badly damaged."
Rebels had seized control of three Christian quarters of the Old City of Aleppo over the weekend, including Jdeide and Telal, once frequented by tourists for their restaurants and handicraft shops.
Rebels had also seized the nearby neighborhood of Sulamaniyeh, most of whose inhabitants are Armenian Christians.
The neighborhood is home to some ancient monasteries and a cathedral of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
"Battles on Monday and Tuesday were very violent, and they lasted for many long hours before the army managed to expel the rebels," a resident of the neighborhood told AFP by telephone.
"After cleansing the area, hundreds of residents of the districts of Telal and Sulamaniyeh took to the streets to celebrate and express their support for the army," he added.
After the rebels' expulsion, residents set up "popular committees" to prevent their return, another resident told AFP.
Communities like those in the heart of Aleppo are among those in which support for Assad's government and suspicion of the rebels runs highest.....
River to Sea
Uprooted Palestinian 
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