In Syria, a massive explosion has hit the Carlton Citadel Hotel in Aleppo, a supposed base for government troops.<br /><br />These images, provided by the Islamic Front on a social media website, cannot be independently verified but there can be little doubt the blast caused widespread damage. <br /><br />It is believed rebels blew up explosives in a tunnel underneath the building.<br /><br />Meanwhile, nearly 80 percent of rebels have reportedly left Homs, handing the government a symbolic victory less than a month before the presidential election.<br /><br />Activists say two buses carrying the first of many hundreds of fighters left the besieged city centre, heading for rebel held areas of northern Homs province. <br /><br />The evacuation was arranged under a deal between insurgents and forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
