Syrian opposition activists say they expect government forces to soon launch a major offensive on rebel-held areas across the northern city of Aleppo.

Activists quoted sources close to the Syrian security forces Thursday as saying the government is amassing troops on the southern outskirts of the city, which has already seen helicopter and tank attacks against rebels in the past few days.

Earlier Thursday, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported shelling in several Aleppo neighborhoods that killed a girl and wounded seven other people.

It also said deadly clashes were taking place in the cities of Hama and in Deir Ezzor province, as well as explosions targeting military vehicles in Idlib.