Forces loyal to the Syrian government made further advances in the rebel-held area of Aleppo, taking over al-Oweija district on Saturday.

Members of the Quds Brigade, a pro-government militia, were seen moving through the district after government forces took control of the Jandul crossroads in the northeast of Aleppo. Brigade commanders say this area is strategically important as it secures the north eastern entrance to the city.

The rebel-held eastern zone of the city has been effectively besieged by the army and its allies, since mid-September. The U.N. says nearly 140,000 residents may want to leave as food and fuel run short.