Syrian rebels said late Tuesday that government forces had retreated from the city of Aleppo after a day of heavy fighting—although state television said government troops were still pursuing the "terrorists" there. Aleppo, Syria's industrial center, has become an important battle in the 16-month rebellion, as the opposition has tried to hold on to it as a safe haven. During the day on Tuesday, there were reports of attacks by helicopters and shelling and loud explosions were still heard in the night. A local elementary school has reportedly been set up by the rebels as a prison for captured government soldiers. On Tuesday morning, opposition fighters have vowed to turn Aleppo into the “regime's grave.”
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