Aleppo rebels in counter-attack

REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO

Syrian rebels gather at a hideout in Aleppo, planning an attack on government forces.

Amateur video, which cannot be independently verified by Reuters, appeared to show opposition fighters organising an assault on a nearby radio and television station.

Army defector Abdel Kader said the rebels were hoping to take control of the communications tower.

SOUNDBITE: LIEUTENANT DEFECTOR FROM SYRIA ARMY, ABDEL KADER, SAYING (Arabic):

"The operation is to attack the dogs of Assad and his gang at the television station. We are attacking them to liberate this area, which is ours."

Aleppo has suffered fierce fighting as the government tries to regain control of the city.

Rebels have been battling to hold their ground, while facing troops backed by warplanes and tanks.

Along with the capital Damascus, Aleppo is seen as vital for the ruling regime as it continues to cling to power.