Hundreds of residents of eastern Aleppo have fled the shifting front lines, as Syrian government forces continue their push to cut the rebel-stronghold in two.<br /><br /> The regime forces reportedly took control of the Hanano housing district, on the northeast frontline of the besieged city.<br /><br /> The insurgents fear that the north will be cut off from the south, which would weaken their control, and bring more civilians closer to the battle zone.<br /><br /> Elsewhere, in the northern Syrian town of al-Rai a blast ripped through a street, believed to be a suicide bombing by ISIL militants. Several people reportedly died and a dozen were injured and taken to a nearby hospital in Turkey.<br /><br /> Situated 2km south of Turkey’s Kilis border province, al-Rai is an area under the control of Turkish-backed rebels, recaptured from ISIL as part of Ankara’s ‘Euphrates Shield’ operation which has turned its sights to al-Bab.<br /><br /> The Turkish army reported that ISIL militants fired a rocket which caused symptoms similar to chemical gas exposure in 22 Syrian rebels, though later analysis showed it was a tear-gas like substance.<br />
