The Syrian army has launched a ground assault on the northern city of Aleppo. This has sparked fierce clashes with opposition fighters in the frontline district of Salaheddin. "The army is advancing from west to east to cut Salaheddin in half horizontally," an official said on Wednesday on condition of anonymity, referring to the key rebel stronghold in the city. Clashes have also been reported in Hanano, Tareeq Al Bab and Sha'ar in the besieged city. The Syrian army has made progress but rebels have not abandoned Salaheddin. The FSA has shot down a plane and destroyed five tanks in Aleppo.