BEIRUT: Syrian rebels say they have captured 100 regime soldiers and militia members during fighting in the city of Aleppo in the north of the country, according to a video distributed by Syrian activists on Friday.

The video, which shows dozens of men in civilian clothing seated in a courtyard, was filmed by a man who describes himself as a member of the rebel Free Syrian Army.

The captured men tell the camera that they are members of the Syrian army and the “shabiha” pro-regime militia.

“I am Colonel Mohammed Rashid Mohammed al-Mhmeid... I was arrested at the entrance of Aleppo,” one of the men says.

“I am Captain Fuad al-Hosh, commander of the Aleppo police in Shaar district. I was captured when I left my post,” another said.

One man identified himself as a member of the shabiha, saying he was captured in Hanano in Aleppo and had “killed a demonstrator.”

Rebel fighters and Syrian troops have been massing in the city of Aleppo for a major battle that sources said could come as early as Friday or Saturday.

The two sides have already been battling in part of the city, including the southern Salaheddin neighbourhood.