Explosions strike Syrian city

Three powerful explosions rocked the main square in a government-controlled central district of Aleppo on Wednesday, the Syrian state-run TV said. Activists reported multiple casualties and heavy material damage.

There were no immediate details on the nature of the blasts, which activists said were likely caused by car bombs.

The northern city of Aleppo, Syria's commercial hub and largest city, has seen intensified fighting between regime forces and rebels trying to oust President Bashar Assad, especially after the fighters launched a new offensive last week.

Earlier, the United Nations expressed its concern for refugees from the Syrian conflict. With temperatures expected to drop as winter approaches, the plight of the refugees is expected to worsen.

According to UN figures, the number of refugees has tripled since June, from 100,000 to 300,000, and it’s expected to top more than 700,000 by the end of the year.

Many of those fleeing the civil war in Syria have found refuge in neighbouring Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq.

UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards says around half a billion dollars is needed to provide the basics for all these people.

“The latest figures show a total regional registered population of more than 311,500 Syrian refugees in the four countries. The continuing rapid growth in refugee numbers underscores the urgency of our appeal last week for $487.9 million in support of up to 710,000 Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries by the end of this year. The generosity and hospitality that’s been shown by these countries makes it essential that the international community does provide as much support as possible.”

Pope Benedict has repeatedly called on people of good will to assist the refugees, and Catholic aid agencies care for tens of thousands of people throughout the region.

Listen to Christopher Wells report: