Syria's state news agency says nine "terrorists" were killed Friday by the blast of a booby- trapped van in Syria's northern province of Aleppo.

The van went off at the town of Atareb, just outside Aleppo, SANA said, spelling no further details.

Separately, but also in Aleppo, SANA said the authorities dismantled on Friday a car rigged with 1,000 kg of explosives that was meant to explode before the Red Crescent Hospital at al- Azizieh district.

SANA also said the Syrian troops regained full control over al- Sakhour distinct in Aleppo, after witnessing furious clashes between armed rebels and Syrian regular troops.

Aleppo has been plagued with incessant and ferocious battles. On Wednesday a spate of blasts there killed at least 34 people and injured scores of others.

The armed rebels announced last week the command of their " decisive battle" in hopes of winning control over Aleppo before they can pitch for Western or Arab aid like Libyan rebels did in their de facto capital Benghazi during their civil war.