Aleppo

Theresa May calls on Syrian government, Iran and Russia to help Aleppo evacuation

Speaking at an EU leaders meeting in Brussels on 15 December, UK prime minister Theresa May said the responsibility for the tragedy in Aleppo lies with the Syrian regime, Russia and Iran. May also pledged a further £20m to help vulnerable people in the Syrian city.

Dec 16, 2016

Russian military video shows Aleppo evacuation route

Russias defence ministry has released a military video showing the humanitarian corridor for the evacuation of a rebel-held area of Aleppo. The drone video purports to show rebels and civilians being transported out of the eastern part of the city on 20 buses and 10 ambulances. Syria has guaranteed their safety. The evacuation was due to take place yesterday, but was postponed after a truce brokered by Syrian ally Russia and rebel ally Turkey broke down. The evacuation of the city will end years of fighting and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Dec 15, 2016

Orphan children trapped in Aleppo plead to leave

In a video posted by pro-opposition Syrian TV channel, Halab Today TV, a group of children from inside Aleppo plead for their lives and describe the terrifying barrage of airstrikes they are enduring. A 10-year-old girl called Yasmeen Farmouz speaks on behalf of the group of youngsters, and asked people all over the world to help them evacuate from their city, which is currently under heavy bombardment from the Syrian government forces, supported by Russia war planes and Iranian militia groups. The video was released after reports that the evacuation efforts for civilians has been delayed again. The United Nations said the bombardment of the city could amount to war crimes.

Dec 15, 2016

White House: Aleppo a deeply tragic situation

The White House condemned the bombardment of Syrias second biggest city, Aleppo, saying the upsurge was a deeply tragic situation. White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters the US was working through a variety of diplomatic channels to bring the bloodshed to an end.

Dec 15, 2016

Unbelievably cruel Aleppo bombardment probably a war crime says UN spokesman

Rupert Colville, spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, says Syrias government forces and their allies have almost certainly violated international law and probably committed war crimes by the latest bombardment of civilians hoping to be evacuated from eastern Aleppo.

Dec 15, 2016

Malala Yousafzai on Aleppo: 'Prayers are not enough. We must act.'

"May God be with the children of Aleppo, although our world leaders are not," she said in a statement posted on the Malala Fund's Facebook page.

Dec 15, 2016

Aleppo residents raid abandoned rebel HQ for basic supplies

Aleppo residents are taking advantage of rebel groups leaving the besieged city by raiding their abandoned headquarters. Residents found basic food and supplies at the headquarters of rebel group Jaish al-Islam, based in a school affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Education. Local residents complained that militants had taken much of the aid meant for civilians, as well as international aid packages.

Dec 14, 2016

Heartbreaking suicide note of Aleppo nurse who killed herself to avoid being raped by 'Syrian Army animals'

Rebels trapped in the besieged Syrian city say up to 20 women killed themselves in one morning to avoid sexual abuse by soldiers.

Dec 14, 2016

Syria: Hundreds protest outside Downing Street over Aleppo offensive

Around 200 people demonstrated outside 10 Downing Street on 13 December, calling on the UK government to do more to help the people of Aleppo, Syria. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad say they have control of 98% of the city, and the Russian ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Vitaly Churkin said that military action in the area has ceased. Concern remains, however, for the tens of thousands still trapped in besieged areas of Aleppo, with the UN reporting that pro-government forces had been summarily killing civilians.

Dec 14, 2016

Despite truce deal, pro-Assad militia disrupting Aleppo evacuation, rebels say

The truce deal reached with the rebels marks the biggest achievement for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Dec 14, 2016

Boris Johnson and George Osborne criticise Government over Syria

During an emergency debate in the House of Commons on 13 December, both Boris Johnson and George Osborne have been critical about Britain’s lack of action in the Syrian Civil War. The two leading Conservatives called out Western powers, including Britain, for allowing Russia and Assad to seize control of the conflict. Syrian pro-government forces have claimed to have taken 99% of Aleppo, but reports of atrocities and executions of civilians are emerging from the besieged city.

Dec 13, 2016

Syrian regime accused of slaughtering women and children in Aleppo

The UN has received reports of atrocities committed against innocent civilians in rebel-held areas.

Dec 13, 2016

Protesters gather outside Russian consulate in Istanbul over Aleppo offensive

Around 100 activists gathered outside the Russian consulate in Istanbul on 12 December, to voice their concern over Moscow’s support of the Syrian government, and their actions in Aleppo.

Dec 13, 2016

Pro-government Syrian forces release footage of Aleppo advance

Government forces clashed with rebel fighters in a bid to retake the city of Aleppo. Footage released by the Syrian army shows them firing weapons while sweeping through the streets, as pro-government forces claim to have taken 99% of the city. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned of atrocities against civilians in eastern Aleppo, and footage shows the decimation of parts of the city. Retaking the city would be Assad’s biggest victory since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011.

Dec 13, 2016