Damascus, September 28 (RHC-Agencies) -- The Syrian military intensified its airstrikes on rebel positions in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, a military source said on condition of anonymity.

Many rebels were killed and their military equipment destroyed, the source added.

The escalation in attacks comes amid a large-scale military operation in Aleppo, after the Syrian army, backed by Russian air force, captured the al-Farafira district in Aleppo's old quarter on Tuesday.

A recent two-week truce in Aleppo ended without extension as tension rose between Russia and the United States, which backs rebel forces fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Earlier this week, the Syrian military announced a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Aleppo, with government officials and President Bashar al-Assad pledging to capture the whole city from rebel hands.

Aleppo, Syria's largest province near the Turkish border and its economic hub before the crisis, is strategically vital to the warring parties.