Syrian activists report raging battles in Aleppo historic districts

PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian activists say raging firefights between government forces and rebels in the historic districts of central Aleppo have started a major fire in the city's medieval souks, or markets, The Associated Press reports.

The covered souks, some of the Middle East's largest, were once a major tourist attraction.

Rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad launched an offensive to drive his forces out of Syria's largest city and commercial hub.

Aleppo-based activist Ahmad al-Halabi estimates the blaze destroyed a majority of the shops in the district overnight. He said some were still on fire.

The Britain-based Observatory for Human Rights and other activists also reported Saturday that part of the souks were on fire. A video posted online showed smoke covering Aleppo, said to be a result of the bazaar fire.