SYRIA

Violence Strikes Aleppo

Civilians flee heavy fighting.

Formerly an outpost of peace amid the Syrian uprising, Aleppo was the site of heavy clashes on Saturday. Government forces invaded the rebel-run city Saturday morning and started firing, according to residents. "The sound of bombardment has been nonstop since last night," one local mother told Reuters. "For the first time we feel Aleppo has turned into a battle zone." Rebels have been emboldened President Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law. The whereabouts of Assad himself are unknown, and he did not attend the funerals. As the fight for Syria's future centers on one of its most important cities, hundreds of families have fled, say activists.