PHOTO: Smoke rises from bombing of Darat Izza, west of Aleppo, on Saturday

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A Report from Aleppo’s Regime-Held Area

UPDATE 1100 GMT: A pro-opposition activist is reporting Russian airstrikes on areas west of Aleppo where rebels have been advancing in an offensive since October 28:

ORIGINAL ENTRY: Russia and the Assad regime bombed near Aleppo on Saturday, while still holding back from airstrikes on opposition areas of Syria’s largest city.

The pro-Assad strikes hit a belt of towns to the north and west of Aleppo, including Daret Izza, Atarib, Abin, Kafrnaya, and Oram al-Kubra.

The Syrian military also acknowledged that it bombed the 1070 Housing Complex in western Aleppo, where rebels have expanded their control since October 28.

The Local Coordination Committees documented the deaths of 19 civilians in the attacks, most in Obin and Daret Izza.

Russia threatened to renew bombing of eastern Aleppo city, with about 275,000 residents, after the expiry of an ultimatum for rebels to leave the area, going to either the Turkish border or neighboring Idlib Province. However, there was no sign yesterday of attacks, and Moscow held back from statements pointing to the renewed strikes.

After a brief ceasefire brokered by the US and Russia, the Russian and Syrian air forces restated bombing on September 19, beginning with the destruction of a UN aid convoy west of Aleppo. The attacks continued until October 18, with more than 600 civilians killed.

Russia then declared a suspension of attacks on eastern Aleppo city; however, it has continued to bomb elsewhere.

Aftermath of bombing of Kafrnaya (Warning — Graphic Images):

Pro-Assad Bombing Kills Children in Harasta

Pro-Assad bombing has killed at least three children and wounded many others in Harasta, northeast of Damascus, according to activists.

Graphic pictures have been posted of the casualties.

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