Syrian government captures key parts of rebel-held Aleppo

Troops representing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his allies reported Saturday they have captured key portions of eastern Aleppo, the besieged Syrian city that has been decimated by brutal fighting and bombing since 2012. The government-aligned forces are reportedly attempting to split the rebel-held territory into two smaller areas and expect to isolate today's capture "within hours."

The Syrian government also tangled with Turkey Saturday, arguing that the recent deaths of several Turkish soldiers in Syria must be blamed on the Turkish government for deciding to intervene in Syria. "Turkish policies are responsible for the tension in Turkish-Syrian relations," said Syria's deputy foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad. He alleged Turkey's intervention is designed "to destroy Syria and Syrians."

At least 200 civilians have died in east Aleppo thanks to Assad regime bombardment in the last 12 days alone, while about 20 civilians, including 11 children, were killed by rebel bombs in government-controlled west Aleppo in the same time.

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