DAMASCUS (Sputnik) – The Syrian government troops are now only several hundred feet away from the citadel – a medieval fortress on the dominant terrain.
During the last 24 hours the government troops managed to liberate the districts of Turbat Lala and Shaar from militant groups. The government forces also completed clearing and demining the strategic district of Sheikh Saeed in the north-eastern part of the city.
Over the recent months, Aleppo became a major battleground in Syria, engaging government forces, terrorists and numerous opposition groups. Eastern Aleppo is currently encircled by government troops, and the fighting has affected thousands of civilians still trapped in the city.
On Monday, a military source told RIA Novosti that about 18 square kilometers (11 square miles) were under control of militants in eastern Aleppo, which accounted for about 40 percent of the city's territory.
