DHAKA: A large explosion in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo has destroyed a hotel and several other buildings.

Syria state media and activists report, says the BBC.

Rebel fighters are believed to have detonated a bomb placed in a tunnel beneath the Carlton Citadel Hotel, near the city's ancient citadel and souk.

Opposition activists said that government troops were based there.

In recent weeks rebels have been trying to advance on areas of Aleppo where government forces are entrenched.

BDST: 1411 HRS, MAY 08, 2014