Syrian rebels are claiming to be in control of more than half of Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, after days of clashes with government troops. The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has offered competing claims, saying it has forced opposition fighters to retreat from key areas. The fighting in Aleppo has driven tens of thousands from their homes. At the United Nations, a spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Refugees said Aleppo residents are trapped between dangerous fighting and perilous conditions should they try to flee.

Melissa Fleming: “We are particularly concerned about the continuous raging armed violence that is now taking place in Syria’s most populous city, Aleppo, where we are witnessing and our partners are witnessing that thousands of frightened residents are seeking shelter in schools, mosques, public buildings. These are the people who haven’t fled the city, haven’t had the means or feel that it’s too dangerous to make that journey. We are getting indications that the journey is wrought with armed gangs, road blocks, blocking the way.”