The United Nations confirmed on Wednesday that the Syrian opposition militants have heavy weopns including tanks in the city of Aleppo.

The United Nations confirmed on Wednesday that the Syrian opposition militants have heavy weopns including tanks in the city of Aleppo.

International pressure must be put on the Syrian opposition, as well as President Bashar al-Assad, to halt the fighting, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said.

UN observers "have confirmed information that the opposition is in possession of heavy weapons including tanks in Aleppo," Nesirky told reporters at UN headquarters.
"The UN has reminded both parties of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians," Nesirky said.

He stressed that UN leader Ban Ki-moon wants united international pressure on both sides in the civil war.

The spokesman said pressure should be brought to bear on "not just the Syrian government forces -- who of course bear the lion's share of the responsibility for what is happening -- but also on the opposition forces, to ensure that they do heed the calls, that they do stop the fighting."