Government tanks line the streets of what activists say is the Syrian city of Deir al-Zor.

Seconds later - a shell smashes into this apartment building - sending up a cloud of smoke.

The video, posted to a social media website, could not be independently verified by Reuters.

But it suggests that Syria's civil war - now in its 18 month - is not letting up.

Another amateur video apparently shows a massive fire in the outskirts of Deir al-Zor.

Activists say this is the aftermath of an airstrike on an oil pipeline.

Syrian state television also reported pitched battles in Aleppo, the country's commercial hub.

More than 30,000 people have died since the anti-government uprising began last year.