Syrian forces have launched new air strikes and shelled rebel strongholds in several key cities. The key northern commercial hub of Aleppo has been a main focus. Warplanes recently bombed the town of Azaz near Aleppo and shelling continued in the city's neighbourhoods of al-Fardos, al-Sukkari, Bustan al-Zahra and Kallasa. Fighting between government forces and rebels was also reported near Saad al-Allah al-Jabri's Square in Aleppo's centre. Aleppo has become a main focus of the conflict since late July.