Syrian army announces start of a new major offensive in Aleppo
AMMAN, Sept 22 (Reuters) - The Syrian army announced the start of a new military offensive in rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Thursday, signaling a potential further escalation in a bombing campaign by Russian and Syrian jets that rebels say already intensified in the last 24 hours.
State media quoted the army's military headquarters in Aleppo urging civilians in eastern parts of the city to avoid areas where "terrorists" were located and said it had prepared exit points for those who want to flee, including rebels.
The army announcement did not say whether the campaign would also include a ground incursion. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
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