“Basic food has completely disappeared. For families who have children, there is no milk in the markets.
“Every day we have at least 20 to 30 attacks by Russian aircraft or by the helicopters.
“There are no cars going around. Public transport has completely stopped because of the lack of fuel. People are staying inside their houses to avoid shelling.”
The observatory said 50 rebel fighters and jihadists had been killed since the operation began on Sunday, as well as dozens of government soldiers.
It has been reported that barrels suspected to contain chlorine gas were dropped on the town of Saraqeb near Aleppo.
About 30 people, mostly women and children, were reported to have been affected. Chlorine gas can cause victims to become short of breath and to foam blood from the mouth.
It is not clear who was responsible.
The attack took place near to where a Russian military transport helicopter was shot down by rebels hours earlier killing all five personnel on board.
It was the deadliest single incident for Russia’s military since its air campaign began last September.
The Russian government has responded to US criticism over its actions in Syria by arguing that it is “unacceptable” to demand restraint around Aleppo.
Aleppo was once Syria’s commercial capital and also boasted a rich architectural and archaeological heritage.
Much of it has been destroyed or looted during more than five years of war.
Russia and Syria have announced the opening of what they called humanitarian corridors for civilians and rebels wanting to surrender but few people are reported to have used them.
Source: CNN
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