Aleppo offensive (September–October 2016)

File:15alep.png

Early on 22 September 2016, the Syrian and Russian Air Forces started preparatory air-strikes for the upcoming offensive. Over 40 air-strikes were conducted against five districts throughout the day.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-jets-pound-east-aleppo-ahead-upcoming-offensive/|author=News Desk|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Syrian jets pound east Aleppo ahead of upcoming offensive|date=22 September 2016|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617110042/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-jets-pound-east-aleppo-ahead-upcoming-offensive/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/22/syria-army-new-aleppo-offensive-ceasefire |title=Aleppo enters second day of bombing in new Syrian army offensive |work=The Guardian |date=23 September 2016 |access-date=23 September 2016|last1=Borger |first1=Julian |last2=Shaheen |first2=Kareem }} Mobilization of ground units had also started and by the evening of that day, the ground assault against the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo city was about to begin.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begin-important-east-aleppo-offensive/|title=Syrian Army to begin important east Aleppo offensive|work=Al-Masdar News|author=Leith Fadel|date=22 September 2016|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-date=15 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515002731/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begin-important-east-aleppo-offensive/|url-status=dead}} At this time, the military officially announced the start of the offensive.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20160923-syria-aleppo-offensive-diplomats-fail-revive-truce-assad |publisher=France 24|title=Syria launches Aleppo offensive as diplomats fail to revive truce |date=23 September 2016|access-date=23 September 2016}}

The strikes continued for a second day into 23 September, and the explosions were described as "the fiercest the city had faced". Buildings were demolished, a main water station was damaged{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/0c34b40d9c0e431da563b984c5b8c8b5|title=Bombing campaign in Syria kills dozens, demolishes buildings|date=23 September 2016|work=AP News|access-date=24 September 2016}} and neighborhoods were engulfed in flames.{{cite news|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/1093873/%E2%80%98doomsday-today-in-aleppo|title=Doomsday today in Aleppo|work=Bangkok Post|access-date=24 September 2016}} Since the start of the bombing campaign, 50 Russian air-strikes had been conducted on the city and 30 in the surrounding areas,{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/09/23/russian-planes-bomb-aleppo-syrian-army-begins-assault/90898328/ |work=USA Today|title=Russian planes bomb Aleppo as Syrian army begins assault|access-date=23 September 2016}} in addition to dozens carried out by the Syrian Air Force.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51030 Heavy Russian aerial bombardment continue targeting rebels controlled areas of Aleppo] During the day, the first Army ground advances took place in the southern outskirts of Aleppo,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51049 27 casualties in massacres carried out by Russian warplanes and helicopters in Aleppo city] as the military secured the Ramousah-'Amiriyah highway and its intersection after gains around the Al-Badawi mosque.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-aleppo-launch-offensive/|author=Izat Charkatli|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Syrian Army advances in Aleppo after launch of offensive|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427130839/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-aleppo-launch-offensive/|url-status=dead}}[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/09/24/%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%A3%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A8/ عدة محاور في مدينة حلب وأطرافها الجنوبية والشمالية تشهد اشتباكات وقصف وقذائف يستهدفان المدينة] The government advances forced civilians from the area to migrate to other parts of eastern Aleppo. Later, pro-government Palestinian militias also captured parts of the Handarat Camp area of northeastern Aleppo, namely the Shaher district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/liwaa-al-quds-syrian-army-seize-large-parts-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|title=Liwaa Al-Quds, Syrian Army seize large parts of Handarat Camp in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=2 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202225535/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/liwaa-al-quds-syrian-army-seize-large-parts-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} The Handarat Camp had been previously a Palestinian refugee camp.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/the-latest/|title=The Latest: Government Forces Gain Ground Near Aleppo|date=24 September 2016|publisher=Fox News|access-date=26 September 2016}} By the end of the day, the Syrian Air Force had conducted more than 150 air-strikes against 30 neighbourhoods in Aleppo. Army artillery bombardment was also conducted.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/scores-killed-syrian-jets-pound-rebel-held-aleppo-160923134637232.html|title=Scores killed as Syrian jets pound rebel-held Aleppo |publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=24 September 2016}}

Early on 24 September, military preparations were being made for the Syrian Army to assault the southern Sheikh Sa'id district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-storm-southern-aleppo-districts/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah storm southern Aleppo districts|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107091414/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-storm-southern-aleppo-districts/|url-status=dead}} The attack started that morning, and within hours government troops had taken control of several building blocks.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/09/24/SAA-Begins-Storming-East-Aleppo|title=SAA Begins Storming East Aleppo!|publisher=The Inside Source|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926063150/http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/09/24/SAA-Begins-Storming-East-Aleppo|archive-date=26 September 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attacks-key-district-southern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army attacks key district in southern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427130829/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attacks-key-district-southern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/951878568253815|title=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – Timeline – Facebook|website=Facebook |access-date=26 September 2016}} Concurrently, pro-government militias continued to advance in the Handarat Camp area,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/951762578265414|title=Aerial bombardment kills 7 in Aleppo|website=Facebook |access-date=24 September 2016}} seizing the eastern entrance to the Camp and leaving only half of it still rebel-held. Shortly after, the Palestinian militias captured the whole Handarat Camp.{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-raids-idUKKCN11U05F|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924080304/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-raids-idUKKCN11U05F|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2016|title=U.S., Russia trade blows over Syria as warplanes pound Aleppo|first=Michelle Nichols and Suleiman|last=Al-Khalidi|publisher=Reuters|access-date=26 September 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrian-civil-war-aleppo-bombing-civilians-killed-water-crisis-third-day-advance-assad-putin-russia-a7327351.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924142236/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrian-civil-war-aleppo-bombing-civilians-killed-water-crisis-third-day-advance-assad-putin-russia-a7327351.html |archive-date=2016-09-24 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Third day of 'horrific' Aleppo air strikes kills dozens of civilians|date=24 September 2016|work=The Independent|access-date=26 September 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/official-liwaa-al-quds-syrian-army-capture-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|title=[Official] Liwaa Al-Quds, Syrian Army capture Handarat Camp in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925142056/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/official-liwaa-al-quds-syrian-army-capture-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} In addition, government troops made advances on a third axis, taking control of two dozen building blocks near the historic Aleppo citadel in the city center. Meanwhile, a new wave of air-strikes were conducted throughout Aleppo, and a military official stated the strikes had been targeting an array of rebel fortifications, including tunnels, bunkers and command centers.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/warplanes-mount-strikes-rebel-held-aleppo-071453031.html|title=Warplanes press attack on rebel-held eastern Aleppo|date=24 September 2016 |publisher=Reuters|access-date=24 September 2016}} Following the capture of the Handarat Camp district, the Army shifted its focus to the nearby Kindi Cancer Hospital, which had been converted into a military base by the rebels.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-palestinian-committees-attack-kindi-hospital-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army, Palestinian committees attack Kindi Hospital in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925142406/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-palestinian-committees-attack-kindi-hospital-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} Intense clashes took place at the hospital, as the Army also imposed fire control over the nearby Shuqeif Industrial Area.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-syrian-army-makes-significant-progress-northern-aleppo/|title=[Map] Syrian Army makes significant progress in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925134424/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-syrian-army-makes-significant-progress-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} Later that evening, an initial rebel counter-attack against the Handarat Camp was repelled.{{cite web|title=Syrian Army, Quds Brigade repel jihadist assault on Handarat Camp|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-quds-brigade-repel-jihadist-assault-handarat-camp/|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925142336/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-quds-brigade-repel-jihadist-assault-handarat-camp/|url-status=dead}} However, pro-government militias withdrew from the district, while still maintaining control of the nearby Shaher sector and the Handarat Industrial District, east of the refugee camp.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-quds-brigade-withdraw-handarat-camp/|title=Syrian Army, Quds Brigade withdraw from Handarat Camp|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=24 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617133314/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-quds-brigade-withdraw-handarat-camp/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/at-least-23-civilians-killed-in-aleppo-as-un-holds-emergency-meeting-over-syria/|title=At Least 23 Civilians Killed In Aleppo As Un Holds Emergency Meeting Over Syria|date=25 September 2016|publisher=Fox News |access-date=26 September 2016}}

On 25 September, after securing the Shaher district, the Palestinian militias launched a new assault on the Handarat Camp.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/liwaa-al-quds-syrian-army-storm-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|title=Liwaa Al-Quds, Syrian Army storm Handarat Camp in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=25 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203055313/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/liwaa-al-quds-syrian-army-storm-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} The camp was heavily hit by air-strikes. The bombing burned many rebel vehicles. Fighting also continued in the southern Sheikh Sa'id district,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-attack-strategic-district-southern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah attack strategic district in southern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=25 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927083721/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-attack-strategic-district-southern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}

On 27 September, the Army advanced in the Farafira district of Old Aleppo{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/syria-war-aleppo-attack-assad-army-ground-troops-in-city-nato-air-strikes-a7332591.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927123500/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/syria-war-aleppo-attack-assad-army-ground-troops-in-city-nato-air-strikes-a7332591.html |archive-date=2016-09-27 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Syrian army troops advance on Aleppo as Nato calls air strikes 'blatant violation of international law'|date=27 September 2016|work=The Independent|access-date=27 September 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-regime-rebel-held-aleppo-airstrikes-civil-war-offensive/|title=After post-cease-fire onslaught, Assad's forces vow to finish job|date=27 September 2016 |publisher=BCS News|access-date=27 September 2016}} and captured it.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20160927-syrian-army-takes-rebel-neighbourhood-aleppo-military-says|title=Syrian army takes rebel neighbourhood in Aleppo, military says |date=27 September 2016|publisher=France 24|access-date=27 September 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-capture-farafira-district-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah capture the Farafira District in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=27 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927123308/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-capture-farafira-district-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/two-largest-hospitals-rebel-held-aleppo-bombed|title=Two largest hospitals in rebel-held Aleppo bombed|date=28 September 2016}} At the same time, the two largest hospitals in the rebel-held part of the city were hit by an air-strike and artillery fire. The next day, the military slightly advanced in the al-Suweiqa area of Old Aleppo, although some saw the assault on Old Aleppo as a diversionary attack so the Army could take control of the Handarat Camp where fighting continued.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-hospital-idUSKCN11Y0QG|title=Warplanes knock out Aleppo hospitals as Russian-backed assault intensifies|date=29 September 2016|publisher=Reuters}}

On 29 September, pro-government forces broke through the last rebel defense line in the Handarat Camp{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liwaa-al-quds-capture-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army, Liwaa Al-Quds capture most of Handarat Camp in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=29 September 2016|access-date=29 September 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617143503/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liwaa-al-quds-capture-handarat-camp-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} and once again took complete control of the district.{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUKKCN11Z1G7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929133915/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUKKCN11Z1G7|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 September 2016|title=Pro-Syrian government forces control Aleppo's Handarat camp-rebel|work=Reuters|date=25 August 2023 }} In order to secure Handarat Camp, government troops continued with their assault and attacked the nearby Shaqayf district,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/latest-battlefield-map-aleppo-city/|title=Latest battlefield map of Aleppo City|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=29 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 September 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617121709/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/latest-battlefield-map-aleppo-city/|url-status=dead}} as well as the Kindi Hospital.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-kindi-hospital-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army advances to Kindi Hospital in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=29 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 September 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617145016/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-kindi-hospital-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} The next morning, after heavy clashes, pro-government forces captured the Kindi Hospital, thus fortifying their positions at the Handarat Camp{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-kindi-hospital-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures strategic Kindi Hospital in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=30 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 September 2016|archive-date=1 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001150213/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-kindi-hospital-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKCN1200Q9|title=Syrian army, rebels wage fierce battles in Aleppo|date=30 September 2016|publisher=Reuters|access-date=30 September 2016}} and coming within two kilometers of the Jandoul roundabout.{{cite web|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/857052/syrian-troops-capture-hospital-north-of-aleppo.html|title=Updated: Syrian troops capture hospital north of Aleppo|agency=Associated Press|access-date=30 September 2016}} Soon after, the military started an operation against the rebel-held central district of Suleiman Al-Halabi{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-military-operation-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army begins new military operation in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=30 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 September 2016|archive-date=1 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001152034/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-military-operation-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} and advanced, seizing much of its western sector.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army advances in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=30 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 September 2016|archive-date=1 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001141219/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} However, after advancing, government troops withdrew and the rebels recaptured their lost positions.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51568 Violent clashes in Suleiman al-Halabi area and about 15 were killed and injured at the eastern and western neighborhoods of Aleppo] During the fighting in Suleiman Al-Halabi, which was described as "back and forth", a water station was bombed, with both sides trading blame. The Army was trying to reach the rebel-held station since it was the main water source for the government-held part of Aleppo.{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/halt-aleppo-bloodbath-msf-tells-damascus-moscow-093109115.html|title=Syria regime advances in Aleppo, MSF decries 'bloodbath' |agency=AFP|access-date=30 September 2016}} Later in the day, the rebels reentered the Kindi hospital, reigniting fighting for the building,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fatah-halab-reenters-kindi-hospital-amid-massive-counter-assault-northern-aleppo/|title=Fatah Halab reenters Kindi Hospital amid massive counter-assault in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=30 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 September 2016|archive-date=30 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930144846/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fatah-halab-reenters-kindi-hospital-amid-massive-counter-assault-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} while the Army reportedly captured the northwestern part of the Bustan Al-Basha district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-key-northern-aleppo-district/|title=Syrian Army captures several sites in key northern Aleppo district|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=30 September 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 September 2016|archive-date=30 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930155501/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-key-northern-aleppo-district/|url-status=dead}} The rebels eventually managed to recapture the hospital.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-territory-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures more territory in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=1 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=2 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002201336/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-territory-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}

On 1 October, the Syrian Army continued to advance in the Bustan Al-Basha district,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-verge-capturing-key-aleppo-district/|title=Syrian Army on the verge of capturing key Aleppo district|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=1 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=2 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002144632/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-verge-capturing-key-aleppo-district/|url-status=dead}} while elsewhere government forces captured Tal Shuqayf hill and 16 nearby buildings, establishing fire control over the Aleppo Armament Base and the Shuqayf Industrial Area.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-huge-gains-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army makes huge gains in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=1 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=2 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002201612/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-huge-gains-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} The next day, the Army seized the Shuqayf Industrial area,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51698 The regime forces advance north of Aleppo city and tens of airstrikes target the eastern neighborhoods of the city and casualties in the countryside] the Jandoul beltway{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/38473/Regime_forces_seize_over_Shaqif_factories_and_Jandoul_beltway_in_north_of_Aleppo|title=Regime forces seize over Shaqif factories and Jandoul beltway in north of Aleppo|agency=Qasion News Agency|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227005358/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/38473/Regime_forces_seize_over_Shaqif_factories_and_Jandoul_beltway_in_north_of_Aleppo|url-status=dead}} and the Kindi Hospital.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN1220FR|title=Syria presses Aleppo advance, tells rebels to leave|date=2 October 2016|publisher=Reuters|access-date=3 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-makes-fresh-gains-northern-aleppo-map-update/|title=Field Report: Syrian Army makes fresh gains in northern Aleppo. Map Update|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=2 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003055915/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-makes-fresh-gains-northern-aleppo-map-update/|url-status=dead}} During the Army's gains at Shuqayf, the Kurdish YPG militia also advanced against the rebels at the Jandoul roundabout.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51723 The regime forces reach al-Jandoul roundabout area and the violent clashes continue in Aleppo city] Meanwhile, Army advances in Bustan Al-Basha continued,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continue-massive-aleppo-offensive/|title=Syrian Army continue massive Aleppo offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=2 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=2 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002215526/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continue-massive-aleppo-offensive/|url-status=dead}} with government forces reaching the outskirts of the al-Heluk district,{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/syrian-army-advances-aleppo-carnage-sparks-fury-161002105654608.html|title=Syrian army advances as 'Aleppo carnage' sparks fury|publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=3 October 2016}} while a new Army attack on the Suleiman Al-Halabi water station was again repelled.{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/38477/Opposition_repels_regime%E2%80%99s_attack_in_Aleppo|title=Opposition repels regime's attack in Aleppo|agency=Qasion News Agency|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227004816/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/38477/Opposition_repels_regime%E2%80%99s_attack_in_Aleppo|url-status=dead}} Elsewhere, the largest hospital in the rebel part of the city, known as M10, was once again bombed.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/syria-war-aleppo-hospital-bombed-time-161001135413643.html|title=Syria's war: Aleppo hospital bombed again|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=3 October 2016}} At this point, the Army called on the rebels to withdraw from Aleppo, offering them safe passage and aid supplies.

On 3 October, Syrian government forces attacked the Owaija district{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-cotninues-massive-advance-northern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army cotninues massive advance in northern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=3 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004152813/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-cotninues-massive-advance-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} and reportedly seized a quarter of the area before sundown, while the Army established fire control over the Jandoul roundabout.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fierce-clashes-reported-northern-aleppo-syrian-army-attempts-advance/|title=Fierce clashes reported all over northern Aleppo as the Syrian Army attempts to advance|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=3 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004155352/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fierce-clashes-reported-northern-aleppo-syrian-army-attempts-advance/|url-status=dead}} The same day, the M10 hospital was bombed for the third time{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/major-hospital-aleppo-syria-bombed-time-days/story?id=42533806|title=Major Aleppo Hospital Bombed for Third Time in Days|date=3 October 2016|work=ABC News|access-date=3 October 2016}} and completely destroyed.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/air-raids-destroy-largest-hospital-rebel-held-parts-160702965.html|title=Air raids destroy largest hospital in rebel-held parts of Aleppo: NGO|agency=AFP|access-date=3 October 2016}} On 4 October, the rebels claimed that an Army assault on the southern Sheikh Sa'id district had been repelled,{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKCN1240WU|title=Rebels fend off Aleppo assault as nations seek to rebuild peace process|date=4 October 2016|publisher=Reuters}} while a government source stated they had reached a bridge in the northwestern part of the district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-advance-key-southern-aleppo-district/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah advance at key southern Aleppo district|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=4 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=5 October 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617114702/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-advance-key-southern-aleppo-district/|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, the military advanced in the city center, capturing several high-rise buildings,{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/syria-army-advances-in-aleppo-after-us-drops-russia-talks/|title=Syria army advances in Aleppo after US drops Russia talks|website=The Times of Israel }} as well as in the factories area of the northern Owaija district.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51796 60 killed or wounded by shells targeted Aleppo neighborhoods.] For the first time in four years, Syrian Army tanks crossed the frontline in Aleppo.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/syria-government-tanks-roll-rebel-held-aleppo-161004190513206.html|title=Syrian government forces advance on rebel-held Aleppo|publisher=Al Jazeera}}

On 5 October, Syrian Army advances continued in the northern district of Owaija and the southern district of Al-Amiriyah.[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/10/05/شهداء-وجرحى-في-قصف-صاروخي-على-أحياء-بمد/ شهداء وجرحى في قصف صاروخي على أحياء بمدينة حلب وقوات النظام تتقدم في جنوب وشمال هذه الأحياء]{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-gains-territories-north-aleppo-map-update/|title=Field Report: Syrian Army gains more territories in north Aleppo. Map Update|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=5 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=5 October 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617131847/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-gains-territories-north-aleppo-map-update/|url-status=dead}} As of 6 October, government forces were in control of 50–80% of the Bustan Al-Basha district{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syria-army-seizes-rebel-territory-in-heart-of-aleppo/3185186.html|title=Syria army seizes rebel territory in heart of Aleppo|access-date=6 October 2016|archive-date=7 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007193408/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syria-army-seizes-rebel-territory-in-heart-of-aleppo/3185186.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://test.almasdarnews.com/article/point-no-return-islamist-rebels-lose-ground-aleppo-city-map-update/|title=Point of no return as Islamist rebels lose more ground in Aleppo city - Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=6 October 2016|access-date=6 October 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009135620/https://test.almasdarnews.com/article/point-no-return-islamist-rebels-lose-ground-aleppo-city-map-update/|url-status=dead}} and the northern Bakarah Quarries{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-war-update-october-6-8-syrian-army-continues-advance-eastern-aleppo/|title=In Video: Syrian War Update. October 6–8. Syrian Army continues to advance in Eastern Aleppo|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=9 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010130709/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-war-update-october-6-8-syrian-army-continues-advance-eastern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} that overlook the Kindi Hospital. With the new advances in Bustan Al-Basha, the Army was closing in on the Suleiman Al-Halabi water station from two sides[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/10/06/%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D9%85%D9%83%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%82-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF/ قوات النظام تتمكن من تحقيق أول تقدم هاد لها وسط مدينة حلب منذ أكثر من 3 سنوات] and by dusk they had secured the Suleiman Al-Halabi district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-district-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures strategic district in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=6 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-date=7 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007180513/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-district-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/10/06/%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D9%85%D9%83%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7/ قوات النظام تتمكن من التقدم في سليمان الحلبي وسط مدينة حلب] Later that night, the Army made advances in the Salah al-Din district and the Bureij area,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51880 More than 75 casualties and injuries in Jamelaiah neighborhood at Aleppo city, the regime forces advance within the city again] while they had also reportedly taken control of half of the Sheikh Sa'id district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-advance-southern-aleppo-amid-crumbling-jihadist-defenses/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah advance in southern Aleppo amid the crumbling jihadist defenses|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=7 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-date=8 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008155113/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-advance-southern-aleppo-amid-crumbling-jihadist-defenses/|url-status=dead}}

Early on 7 October, Syrian government forces continued to assault Sheikh Sa'id, seizing Tal Sheikh Sa'eed hill.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-key-hilltop-southern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures key hilltop in southern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=7 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-date=8 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008160108/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-key-hilltop-southern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/syria-army-makes-gains-aleppo-security-council-meets-112849820.html|title=France, Britain at UN call for end to Aleppo 'bloodbath'|agency=AFP}} Still, the rebels managed to recapture other territory in the district they had lost. The next day, the rebels were able to reclaim large parts of Sheikh Sa'id and several points around the water station in Suleiman Al-Halabi, leaving them in control of 20% of that district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-strike-back-aleppo-city/|title=Jihadist rebels strike back in Aleppo City|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009144408/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-strike-back-aleppo-city/|url-status=dead}} Still, despite this, government forces took complete control of the Owaija district and the Jandoul roundabout.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-key-district-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army seizes key district in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009154927/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-key-district-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/battle-aleppo-rages-ahead-east-west-showdown-un-004439305.html|title=Battle for Aleppo rages ahead of East-West showdown at UN|agency=AFP}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/syria-regime-keeps-aleppo-assault-un-fails-truce-003822673.html|title=Syria regime keeps up Aleppo assault after UN fails on truce|agency=AFP|access-date=9 October 2016}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Subsequently, the Army took control of over 50% of the nearby Manashar Al-Breij district.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/09/Syrian-Army-Tightens-Grip-on-East-Aleppo|title=Syrian Army Tightens Grip on East Aleppo|publisher=The Inside Source|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010125648/http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/09/Syrian-Army-Tightens-Grip-on-East-Aleppo|archive-date=10 October 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Army advances also continued in Bustan Al-Basha.

On 9 October, back-and-forth fighting raged in Sheikh Sa'id and Bustan Al-Basha.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51983|title=Violent clashes in Sheikh Saeed after regime forces' advancement in the area and aerial bombardment north of Aleppo|date=9 October 2016 |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|access-date=9 October 2016}}[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/10/09/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7/ الفصائل تعاود التقدم في ريف حماة الشمالي الشرقي ومعارك مستمرة بعنف في الشيخ سعيد ومناطق أخرى بمدينة حلب]{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-inside-eastern-aleppo-district/|title=Syrian Army advances inside eastern Aleppo district|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=9 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010180432/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-inside-eastern-aleppo-district/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/10/Rebels-Fight-Back-In-Aleppo-City|title=The Inside Source|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011055223/http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/10/Rebels-Fight-Back-In-Aleppo-City|archive-date=11 October 2016|url-status=dead}} By this point, government forces had seized 15–20% of the rebel-held part of Aleppo, with the rebels struggling to maintain a stable frontline due to a lack of sufficient resources, which had also been impacted by the heavy air campaign against their positions and ammo depots, to counter Army advances.

Early on 10 October, Syrian government troops seized Tal Sifan hill, near Owaija,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-more-territory-in-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures more territory in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=10 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011163535/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-more-territory-in-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} and the following day consolidated their control of the Jandoul roundabout.{{cite web|url=http://www.jamestownsun.com/news/nation-and-world/4134590-rebels-monitor-russian-jets-resume-heavy-bombing-eastern-aleppo|title=Rebels, monitor: Russian jets resume heavy bombing of eastern...|publisher=Jamestown Sun|access-date=16 October 2016}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52084 Regime forces advance over rebels in Aleppo] Two days later, the Army seized four hills in the northeast of Aleppo, including one that overlooks the Hanano Youth Housing Complex.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-territory-northeast-aleppo-rebel-defenses-collapse/|title=Syrian Army seizes more territory in northeast Aleppo as rebel defenses collapse|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=13 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013223248/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-territory-northeast-aleppo-rebel-defenses-collapse/|url-status=dead}} Advances in the northeast of Aleppo continued into 14 October,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-territory-northeast-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures more territory in northeast Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=14 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018105552/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-territory-northeast-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52358 The regime forces advance north of Aleppo city, and shelling target several areas at the eastern neighborhoods of the city leaving casualties][http://www.syriahr.com/2016/10/14/8-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%AD%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86/ 8 شهداء حصيلة القصف الجوي اليوم على مدينة حلب ومعارك عنيفة شمال المدينة] with the Syrian Army making its first push towards the Youth Housing Complex.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-northeast-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army continues advance in northeast Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=14 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018084329/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-northeast-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} The military also made an effort to open a route between the north of Aleppo and the airport in the south,{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/intense-air-strikes-batter-syrias-aleppo-monitor-090244762.html|title=Pro-govt gains in Aleppo ahead of key Syria talks |agency=AFP|access-date=16 October 2016}} managing to take control of most of the Al-Aradh Al-Hamra district in the southeast of Aleppo. Meanwhile, the M10 hospital was once again hit with a bunker-buster bomb.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/14/syrian-regime-bombs-hospital-again-assad-vows-clean-aleppo|title=Aleppo hospital bombed again as Assad vows to 'clean' city|first=Kareem|last=Shaheen|date=14 October 2016|access-date=16 October 2016|work=The Guardian}}

On 15 October, Syrian government forces advanced near the Ba'idayn roundabout, in the north of Aleppo, amid heavy fighting; advanced on the Nayrab Bridge-al-Miysar district; and seized parts of the nearby Karm al-Trab neighborhood.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52433 The regime forces advance and control blocks in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo]{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-aleppo-rages-syrian-army-advances-map-update/|title=Battle for Aleppo rages on as Syrian Army advances: Map Update|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=15 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018065751/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-aleppo-rages-syrian-army-advances-map-update/|url-status=dead}} They also advanced on the Nayrab Bridge-al-Miysar district axis from the direction of the airport, fully securing the Al-Aradh Al-Hamra district,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberate-number-areas-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army liberate number of areas in east Aleppo|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=15 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018044518/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberate-number-areas-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} and seized parts of the nearby Karm al-Trab neighborhood.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52433 The regime forces advance and control blocks in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo] In the evening, government troops penetrated rebel defense lines at the Ba'idayn roundabout, capturing the surrounding factories.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-northeast-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures several sites in northeast Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=16 October 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=21 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018214143/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-northeast-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Aleppo offensive (October–November 2016)}}

On 17 October, Russia announced that it would temporarily halt airstrikes on eastern Aleppo for eight hours on 20 October, in order to allow some civilians and rebels to evacuate.{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/829853e4-948f-11e6-a1dc-bdf38d484582|title=Russia and Syria announce eight-hour Aleppo ceasefire|work=Financial Times|date=17 October 2016}} The strikes had been halted two days earlier than intended, on the morning of 18 October, and the suspension continued into the next day{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/19/middleeast/syria-aleppo-airstrikes/index.html|title=Syria: Aleppo residents say airstrikes have halted|author=Schams Elwazer, Eyad Kourdi and Laura Smith-Spark|publisher=CNN|access-date=21 October 2016}} when it was announced the truce scheduled to take place on 20 October, would be extended to three days until 22 October.{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/syrian-army-says-aleppo-truce-will-last-three-days_1941706.html|title=Syrian Army says Aleppo truce will last three days|date=20 October 2016|access-date=21 October 2016}} Rebel officials completely rejected the proposal on evacuating.{{cite web |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/russia-urges-other-powers-back-its-ceasefire-aleppo-rebels-reject-withdrawal-905667298|title=Rebels reject withdrawal from Aleppo after Russia halts bombing|work=Middle East Eye|date=18 October 2016}}

Fighting reportedly resumed on 22 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/air-strikes-fighting-mark-aleppo-ceasefire-161022203809648.html|title=Air strikes, fighting mark end of Aleppo ceasefire|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=30 October 2016}} However, Russia declared the ceasefire would continue.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-pause-idUSKCN12P26X|title=Russia says it extends moratorium on Aleppo air strikes|date=25 October 2016|access-date=30 October 2016|work=Reuters}}

On 28 October, rebel forces outside Aleppo began a counter-offensive to break the siege.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37798924|title=Syrian rebels 'start Aleppo offensive'|work=BBC News|date=28 October 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-offensive-idUSKCN12S0QP|title=Syria monitor group says rebel shelling kills more than 15 in west Aleppo|work=Reuters|date=28 October 2016}}

Syria's president Bashar al-Assad said that the conflict had become a proxy war between the Russian and US superpowers, who were still embroiled in a Cold War. According to him, the offensive was a necessary step towards pushing terrorists out of Syria and into Turkey.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN12D2FY|title=Syria's Assad says taking Aleppo from rebels key to pushing 'terrorists' back to Turkey|date=14 October 2016|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Reuters}}

Reuters and the Los Angeles Times described the offensive as a possible turning point in the war.{{cite web|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-idINKCN11Y1QM|title=Warplanes knock out Aleppo hospitals as Russian-backed assault intensifies|date=28 September 2016|author=Ellen Francis, Tom Perry|publisher=Reuters|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012151010/http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-idINKCN11Y1QM|url-status=dead}}[http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-syria-aleppo-20160928-snap-story.html Why the fight for Aleppo is a turning point in the Syrian war]. Los Angeles Times, 28 September 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2016.

At the United Nations, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, accused Russia of "barbarism" because of its air-strikes during the offensive,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37468080|title=Syria conflict: US accuses Russia of 'barbarism' in Aleppo|date=25 September 2016 |work=BBC News|access-date=3 October 2016}} while the United Kingdom and France accused Russia was involved in war crimes.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/25/russia-accused-war-crimes-syria-un-security-council-aleppo|title=Russia accused of war crimes in Syria at UN security council session|author=Julian Borger Kareem Shaheen |date=26 September 2016|access-date=3 October 2016|work=The Guardian}} According to the Los Angeles Times and unnamed "longtime observers" of the Syrian conflict, the Syrian and Russian bombardments in the week of 22–28 September were "marked by unparalleled savagery and suffering".

{{Portal|Asia}}

• Northern Aleppo offensive (February 2016)
• 2016 Southern Aleppo campaign
• 2016 Aleppo campaign
• Aleppo offensive (June–July 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (July–August 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (August–September 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (October–November 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (November–December 2016)

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aleppo offensive (2016 09-10)}}

Category:Aleppo in the Syrian civil war

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2016

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Hezbollah

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Jabhat Fateh al-Sham

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Quds Force

Category:September 2016 in Syria

Category:October 2016 in Syria

Category:Attacks on hospitals during the Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)