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DAMASCUS, Oct.14 (Xinhua) -- Heavy airstrikes have been targeting the rebel-held areas in Syria's northern city of Aleppo since midnight, a monitor group reported on Friday.
The intense areal bombardment targeted the rebel-held neighborhoods of Bustan al-Qaser, Maysar, Tariq al-Bab, Karm Tahan and Masaken Hanano and other areas in eastern Aleppo, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The UK-based watchdog group said the airstrikes come amid ongoing confrontation between the Syrian troops and the jihadi rebels in southwestern Aleppo.
The Observatory didn't specify the identity of the warplanes, whether they were Russian or Syrian, or even both.
The Syrian government has tightened the siege on eastern Aleppo, urging the rebels to evacuate that part of the city under Russian guarantees.
This comes as the U.S. administration is meeting Friday to discuss further options on Syria, including a possible military one against Syrian army positions.
The Russian leadership has previously warned of any attack against the Syrian military positions in Syria, promising a quick retaliation, particularly after deploying the powerful S300 and S400 air defense systems in Syria.
The U.S.-Russian tension hit a new high, amid reports of a meeting between both parties and other regional players on Saturday to discuss options on Syria.
