In Syria, rebels including jihadists attacked the Syrian army and its allies Friday aiming to break a weeks-long siege on eastern Aleppo. UK based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said, more than 15 civilians had been killed and 100 wounded by rebel shelling of government held western Aleppo. <br/><br/>Meanwhile, Russian Defence Ministry asked permission from President Vladimir Putin to resume air strikes against the rebels after a 10-day pause, but Putin denied the request. About 275,000 people have been besieged in the east of the city for months.<br/><br/>Aleppo has become the main centre of conflict between President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Iran, Russia and Shi'ite militias, and Sunni rebels including some supported by United States,Turkey and Gulf monarchies.