VIDEO: Syrian Army Establishes Control over Half of Militant–Held District in Aleppo

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the Syrian forces regained control of residential Bustan al-Basha quarter near the city center on Thursday.

The UK-based monitoring group said fighting has been raging in the area, one of the frontlines in Aleppo which has been divided for years between government and militants for control.

The Syrian military confirmed advances in the Bustan al-Basha neighborhood. The army, it said, managed to establish control over the Sport Institute, its housing compound and a school in the neighborhood.

Syrian forces have encircled Aleppo’s militant-held eastern sector in recent weeks and are seeking to completely recapture the city.