Syria 1st-Hand: Clashes and Foreign Fighters in Aleppo (Chulov)

Martin Chulov of The Guardian reached Aleppo soon after insurgents entered Syria's largest city last month, providing a series of vital reports. Five days ago, he "disappeared" because of a lack of Internet access. This morning, however, he returned with a series of Twitter messages pointing to the continued presence of insurgents in the city, despite sustained regime attacks on the ground and from the air, with foreign fighters among those challenging the Syrian military:

#Aleppo more foreboding than a week ago. Everything closed in east of city. Besieged & deserted. #Syria

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

Haven't had web access for 5 days. Tanks rounds crashing into suburbs near #Salahedin. Scores/hundreds of residents fleeing #Syria

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

Jets taking heavy toll on #FSA bases. As soon as they set up (in empty buildings) they get bombed from above #Syria #Aleppo

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

Regime troops yet to enter rebel-held east #Aleppo. They are in Salahedin tho where fighting close range & both sides trade insults #Syria

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

@killamator It's clear that FSA has lot of work to do to win the city's support. The countryside is with them.

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

Saw foreign jihadists at frontline in #Aleppo. Fighters from Senegal, Saudi, Algeria & Pakistan. Others deep inside Salahedin #Syria

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

@libyasteadfast Yes, small numbers so far. Around 30 at frontline. Scores more have def crossed from Turkey. Not sure where they are.

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

@martinokeeffee Haven't seen Turks. A lot of others though, Uzbeks, guys from Chechnya, Indonesia, Yemen, Libya et al.

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012

@_richardhall The guy from Senegal's only words were 'are you a Muslim?'.

— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) August 21, 2012