Syrian Conflict: Aleppo
December 15, 2016
In Aleppo, Syria, dozens civilians have been killed by pro-government forces bombing the city (1). Thousands of people are trapped inside the neighborhoods under rebel control, and are under heavy fire from pro-government forces advancing (1). Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. human rights agency, said that Syrian soldiers and allied Iraqi militia have killed at least 82 civilians, entering homes and killing people “on the spot,” (2). Other civilians tried to flee, but heavy fire was preventing them from evacuating, and they were shot in the process.
Russia, an ally of the Syrian government, said that the killings were “actually being committed by terrorist groups,” meaning the rebel opposition (1). It is reported that bodies murdered at the hands of the Syrian pro-government troops were lying on the streets of Aleppo. A doctor in the city has said that “Many children… unaccompanied or separated from their families, are trapped in a building, under heavy attack in east Aleppo,” (1). Many people are trapped under building rubble and debris. Reports note that most of the equipment for rescue and first aid were out of operation.
Russia has made a statement saying 98% of Aleppo is now in pro-government hands. An agreement was reached on the 13th where envoys would allow people inside Aleppo to evacuate, but the fighting continued again on the 14th, leaving little room for escape (3). As of now, there is still fighting and severe bombardment, and people are standing up against the pro-government forces, claiming that what is happening here is not warfare but pure genocide.
Sources:
(1): http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38301629
(3): http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38314291
Picture: https://www.wired.com/2016/12/powerless-people-aleppo-tweeting-help/
