SYRIAN government forces captured new ground on the north-western edge of the city of Aleppo yesterday, tightening the siege on jihadist extremists who have bombarded pro-government civilian districts.

The Syrian army called on the opposition fighters to drop their weapons and give themselves up.

Residents in rebel-held parts of Aleppo were allegedly informed by the army command via text messages that it had created several safe passages and makeshift centres for anyone wanting to leave those areas.