Syria blasts Aleppo by air

WARNING-VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT

The devastating aftermath of an airstrike in Syria's commercial hub Aleppo.

Activist footage from a social media website purports to show crowds searching for victims in the wake of a government strike in the Hananu district on Saturday.

The death toll was unclear at the time, however, it is likely dozens are dead or wounded.

The eastern area of the city has been a target for air strikes since rebels freed deserters imprisoned in a local barracks.

Reuters cannot independently verify the video due to Syrian government restrictions on access.

After an assault to regain neighbourhoods around Hananu - Syrian state TV aired video of government soldiers on patrol -- and in control --- here.

In Damascus there has been heavy fighting around an area where Palestinian refugees live and where rebels were hiding out.

President Bashar al-Assad's forces were shown on state TV out in force on Saturday, seemingly having driven out the opposition fighters.

The popular uprising against Assad has lasted almost 18 months and is becoming increasingly bloody as clashes between the two sides rage on.